UPDATE FROM THE AEMT GENERAL MANAGER
Founded in 1945, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the AEMT was established to support the rebuilding of critical infrastructure during a time of global instability. Fast-forward eight decades, and the parallels with today's landscape are striking. As international tensions rise and protectionist policies take root, equipment owners are once again facing disruption – this time due to escalating trade disputes and tariff escalations between major manufacturing economies.
These supply-side challenges are increasingly felt across the UK and global markets. Delays in sourcing new equipment, rising costs for OEM parts, and concerns over availability have added pressure on operators striving to maintain uptime and performance. In such times, the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing sector proves its value.
AEMT members have consistently played a critical role in keeping industry operational. Whether repairing electric motors, overhauling pumps, or reconditioning gearboxes, their services offer a reliable, responsive, and resource-efficient alternative to full replacement. With many engineering firms now facing lead times stretching into months, the ability to return a machine to service in days or weeks can be transformative.
Our members are well-prepared for this moment. Decades of experience in reverse engineering, access to precision manufacturing capabilities, and strong regional coverage mean that support is never far away. Importantly, this is not just about making do with legacy equipment— the standards applied by AEMT members meet, and often exceed, those of the original equipment manufacturers. Consequently, our sector is increasingly seen as a strategic partner in asset management and lifecycle planning, not merely an emergency stop-gap.
In this context, the AEMT's upcoming Annual Conference on 18 September 2025 at the British Motor Museum carries particular significance. This year's event and the AEMT Awards in November will serve as centrepieces to our 80th Birthday celebrations – a moment to recognise the contributions our members have made and continue to make to industry worldwide.
The conference will bring together users, repair specialists, manufacturers, and innovators to explore pressing topics: supply chain resilience, condition-based monitoring, sustainable practices, and workforce development. These aren't abstract discussions; they're practical, grounded sessions that reflect the real-world concerns of today's maintenance and reliability teams.
For equipment owners, this is an ideal time to engage. Whether you're exploring more sustainable maintenance strategies, struggling with component availability, or simply want to know who you can trust when things go wrong, the AEMT community is ready to help. Our members operate under codes of practice that emphasise safety, integrity, and quality – and they are increasingly supported by digital tools, training, and guidance to ensure consistent service delivery.
In closing, while 80 years is a momentous milestone, we're firmly focused on the future. Our founding mission – to keep industry moving, even in the face of uncertainty – is more relevant now than ever. As the global landscape shifts, we believe the repair and refurbishment industry is not just ready to respond, but to lead.
We look forward to welcoming many of you to our celebrations later this year. Until then, if you're seeking dependable partners in reliability, sustainability, and resilience, look no further than the AEMT.
