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Gov. Reynolds, Rep. Miller-Meeks visit Vermeer Corporation during Manufacturing Month

Some government officials and ag industry partners gathered at Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa Tuesday morning to discuss the importance of ag equipment manufacturing and innovation.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says equipment manufacturers are critical to the state’s economy. “It contributes about $35 billion annually to our economy,” the governor said. “It accounts for 60% of our exports. Fifteen percent of Iowa’s workforce is in manufacturing.”

Speaking to employees, Vermeer Corporation president and CEO Jason Andringa said many farmers rely on their innovation in equipment. “The work that you do is important work,” Andringa said. “The machines that you design, build, and support does important work to make the world a better place.”

U.S. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says tax reform needs to be one of the top priorities in 2025 to help give equipment manufacturers certainty. “It allows you to have good paying jobs, and be able to advance those skills through on the job training and through higher education,” Miller-Meeks said. “But that requires us to be your partner to do that.”

The event was organized as part of Manufacturing Month in October, which celebrates the importance of U.S. manufacturing innovation. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers helped organize the gathering as part of its AEM Manufacturing Express.