Milwaukee, Wisconsin (PRWEB) November 04, 2011
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces new inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors the accomplishments of those who have led the off-road equipment industry and contributed to its growth.
The latest inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame are:
Don Landoll, Chairman, Landoll Corporation
Elton Long, Vice President Construction Equipment Engineering Worldwide, Case Construction Equipment
Since 1993, the Hall has recognized industry leaders, inventors and visionaries as one way to highlight the contributions of the off-road equipment industry, specifically its people, to economic prosperity and quality of life. Inductees are examples to the leaders of tomorrow, who will build on their successes and continue their legacy of service.
Companies or individuals can submit nominations, and a panel of industry judges evaluates the submissions on the basis of five guiding principles: Innovation, Industry Contributions, Leadership, Corporate Citizenship/Social Responsibility, and Sustainability.
Since its inception in 1993, more than 35 industry leaders have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. For more information go online to http://www.aemHallofFame.com.
Printed below are summaries about the two 2011 AEM Hall of Fame inductees.
Don Landoll
Don Landoll was born an inventor and has designed and manufactured innovative machinery. In 1963 he opened a welding, blacksmith, and radiator repair shop. In 1967 the production of agricultural products with the Landoll brand began. By 1970, Don had designed and patented a unique, innovative trailer which eventually changed the way many transport companies conducted their business. This trailer was capable of ground loading and off-loading equipment, and was known as the traveling axle.
Under Dons leadership, the company continues to improve and expand its product lines. Landoll offers products for many segments construction, agriculture, towing, forklift and military.
Landoll is the largest employer in its community, and Don and his employees have a culture of service, participating in many charitable organizations. Don actively supports industry and business interests to help ensure the strength of manufacturing in his state.
Dons company follows as many sustainable practices as possible it uses state-of-the-art powder paint systems, and participates in programs to recycle oil, mercury such as in light bulbs, and batteries, for their lead. The company is active in waste and storm water programs and electricity conservation, and it has a paperless invoicing system.
In 2007 Landoll Corporation was among five companies receiving a Regional Governor’s Award of Excellence from the State of Kansas. Landoll has also received the U.S. Department of Defenses highest award presented to civilian contractors, the Pro Patria, for his support of the National Guard and Reserves.
Elton Long
Elton Long, who lived 1912 to 2003, has been called the Father of the Backhoe. He earned 46 patents during his career for designing and improving equipment, but he is best known for designing and producing the first integrated tractor loader/backhoe for Case Construction Equipment. The machine provided improved quality and operating efficiencies, taking on tasks once done by hand, and manufacturing efficiencies, since machines did not need to be retrofitted.
Long built an enduring legacy of innovation and success that continues influencing the construction equipment industry today. His leadership and career are well illustrated by Cases production, between 1957 and 1960, of 11 different models totaling almost 11,000 loader/backhoes. No other previous three-year period in Cases history had seen the release of so many units, and this is credited largely to Long and his impeccable leadership of the engineering department.
As the companys vice president of engineering, Longs contributions included the hydraulic Extendahoe, an extendible dipper stick that added 2.5 feet to the backhoes dig depth. There was also the first hydraulic system for a construction machine that could be controlled from the operators seat, the first dozer blade controlled from the operators seat, the over-center backhoe, load stabilizers and swing mechanisms.
Long was also a decorated pilot in World War II, earning 16 Air Medals, a Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross after flying 100 missions over Europe.
AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 800 companies and 200-plus product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C., Ottawa, Beijing and a European presence in Brussels.
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