The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announced the induction of Jim Gorman, of Gorman-Rupp, and Hans Liebherr, of Liebherr, into its Hall of Fame.

“We are pleased to recognise these individuals whose vision and leadership have contributed greatly to the growth and strength of our industry,” said Dennis Slater, AEM president.

Liebherr developed and patented the TK 10 tower crane in 1949, which became the platform for his crane business, expanding into a variety of other construction equipment and industrial products.

“He was an early pioneer of high-pressure hydraulics, which still set the highest industry standard in excavators,” AEM commented. “Dr. Liebherr fostered a corporate culture in which innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit propel company progress.”

Gorman’s father started Gorman-Rupp and by 15, he was on the road promoting the company, which became the first American manufacturer to offer a wide line of submersible pumps to meet the conditions of mining environments.

“His foresight to invest early in CAD/CAM design software helped his company lead the industry in construction pumps and water pollution control equipment,” AEM commented. He is also credited with creating the first commercially available self-priming solids-handling trash pump.