Northeast Wisconsin Firms Nominated for Manufacturing Award
More than 25 local companies are competing in the 11th annual contest to find the coolest things made in Wisconsin.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Over 25 companies from Northeast Wisconsin have earned nominations in the 2026 Coolest Things Made in Wisconsin contest. The competition, which features 108 total nominees, aims to celebrate the state's significant manufacturing sector.
Why it matters
The contest highlights the innovation and manufacturing excellence that define the state's industrial landscape. It serves as a showcase for a sector that is a major driver of the regional economy.
Wisconsin's manufacturing industry is valued at $73.8 billion and accounts for 20 percent of the state's GDP. The 11th annual competition will see the top 16 vote earners advance to the Manufacturing Madness bracket.
The players
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
This organization serves as the primary trade association for the state's business and manufacturing sectors.
The details
Organized by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the contest invites the public to vote once per day per email address to determine which products advance. The final winner will be crowned during the Business Day event scheduled for later this year.
Timeline
Voting for the contest began on September 21, 2026.
The first round of voting concludes on September 29, 2026.
The winner will be announced at Business Day on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
This contest functions as a promotional platform for local manufacturers competing in a crowded, high-value industrial market. It underscores how businesses use branding initiatives to distinguish themselves within the $73.8 billion Wisconsin manufacturing sector.
Consumers can directly influence the competition by casting daily votes to support their favorite local manufacturers. Participation in these rounds determines which companies advance to the final Manufacturing Madness bracket.
The takeaway
The contest highlights the importance of public engagement in recognizing the state's industrial achievements. Readers can participate in the ongoing voting process to help shape which local products earn the top spot.
What happens next
The first round of voting ends September 29, 2026, followed by the announcement of the winner at the Business Day event on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the state industrial sector, visit the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
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