AGMA was founded in 1916; as of December 30, 2016, there were 456 member companies listed on the association's website.

[1] AGMA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to write all U.S. standards on gearing, including terminology, nominal dimensions, tolerances, and tools for manufacturing and control.

[2][3] TC 60 is the committee responsible for developing all international gearing standards.

In addition to the position of Secretariat, AGMA also chairs one-third of the active ISO Working Groups related to gearing.

AGMA hosts the industry's trade show, Gear Expo, every two years.