Eight Products Advanced in Wisconsin Manufacturing Contest

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce contest has narrowed the field to eight products through online voting.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel gear and an aluminum industrial component on a workbench, representing Wisconsin manufacturing innovation. — The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce organization announced eight finalists in its annual contest to identify the state's most notable manufactured products. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce organization has narrowed its search for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin to eight finalists. These products were chosen by the public from an initial list of 100 submissions.

Why it matters

The contest highlights the state's diverse manufacturing sector, ranging from heavy industrial machinery to consumer goods. It provides a platform for businesses to showcase their innovation and production capabilities to a statewide audience.

The current round features eight products selected from 16, following an initial pool of 100 entries. Voting is restricted to one submission per day for each individual email address.

The players

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

This organization acts as the state's chamber of commerce and the primary trade association for manufacturers in Wisconsin.

Komatsu

This major industrial equipment manufacturer operates a large facility in Milwaukee.

AriensCo

This manufacturing company is based in Brillion and is known for producing outdoor power equipment.

Seroogy's Chocolates

This confectionery business is located in De Pere and produces a variety of handmade chocolates.

Inpro

This company is based in Muskego and specializes in manufacturing high-performance wall and door protection products.

The details

The eight finalists moving forward include the 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel from Komatsu, the Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 from AriensCo, and the CliC Smart Privacy Glass from Cardinal IG. Other advancing items are Seroogy's Meltaway Candy Bars, Fives Giddings & Lewis Turning Centers, Inpro Aspex Wall Protection, Jacoby Custom Cues, and Vortex M157 Small Arms Fire Control.

Voting for the next round begins at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2026.
Voting for the next round ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
The winner will be announced at the Business Day event in Madison on Oct. 27, 2026.

Market Landscape

This event follows the established pattern set by the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin initiative. By spotlighting varied regional manufacturers, the contest helps build brand visibility across competitive industrial and consumer sectors.

Residents can directly influence the competition by casting one vote per day via the online portal. These votes will determine which products advance to the Top 4 before the eventual winner is crowned later this month.

The takeaway

The competition serves as a significant showcase for Wisconsin's industrial and artisanal manufacturing capabilities. Interested participants should mark their calendars for the upcoming voting window to support their preferred local businesses.

What happens next

Public voting for the next round of the competition opens on Oct. 8 and will conclude on Oct. 13, leading into the final announcement at the Business Day event on Oct. 27.