NC Chamber Named Coolest Thing Made in State Winners

The annual competition recognized three manufacturing businesses across North Carolina for their innovative products.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Manufacturing

A close-up of a precision-engineered metallic industrial part sitting on a brushed-steel workbench inside a clean manufacturing plant. — The NC Chamber announced Carrier, American Honda Motor Co., and Old School Mill as winners of the seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC competition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The NC Chamber has announced the winners of its seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC contest, with Carrier, American Honda Motor Co., and Old School Mill taking top honors. Public voters selected the victors from a pool of 88 nominated products.

Why it matters

The competition aims to honor North Carolina manufacturers and raise awareness about career opportunities in the industry. Manufacturing remains a vital economic driver, accounting for over 15% of the state's gross state product.

The manufacturing sector in North Carolina currently employs more than 8.9% of the state's workforce. The NC Chamber conducted the contest through an online process for the seventh consecutive year.

The players

NC Chamber

This non-profit organization serves as the principal business advocacy group in North Carolina.

Carrier

This global corporation specializes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology.

American Honda Motor Co.

This is the North American subsidiary of the Japanese multinational conglomerate that manufactures automobiles and power equipment.

Old School Mill

This small family-owned business operates out of Albemarle and specializes in traditional food products.

Allegacy Financial

This North Carolina-based financial services institution provides banking and investment support to state residents.

The details

Carrier's Chillers won the large business category, while American Honda Motor Co.'s FourTrax Foreman 4x4 took the medium business prize. The small business winner, Old School Mill, is an Albemarle-based producer of 25 products with a staff of 10 employees.

The NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020.
Allegacy Financial was established in North Carolina in 1967.
Old School Brand launched in 1992.
National Manufacturing Day occurs on October 2, 2026.
Winners will be featured in the November 2026 issue of Business North Carolina.

Market Landscape

This contest aligns with the broader push to showcase the importance of the manufacturing sector, which currently accounts for 15% of North Carolina's gross state product. These awards help differentiate local manufacturers as they compete within the global industrial market.

Consumers in the state can support the local economy by purchasing products from the featured businesses. This recognition may also boost brand visibility for the winning companies, potentially influencing local product availability and marketing efforts.

The takeaway

Manufacturing remains a foundational pillar of the North Carolina economy, providing stable jobs and innovation for the region. Highlighting these businesses helps residents better understand the diversity of products developed within their own state borders.