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 www.aemHallofFame.com.

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 Don's 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.

Don's 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 Defense's highest award presented to civilian contractors, the Pro Patria, for his support of the National Guard and Reserves.

Elton Long

Elton Long, who lived from 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.