Finalists Named for Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce revealed the top four products vying for the annual manufacturing contest title.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Manufacturing
Live Poll
Do you believe local manufacturing contests help promote career opportunities in your community?
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and BMO have announced the four finalists for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The competition aims to showcase the state's diverse manufacturing sector and its various career opportunities.
Why it matters
The annual competition highlights the economic impact of Wisconsin's manufacturing industry. It serves to promote the state's industrial capabilities and career paths to a wider public audience.
Wisconsin's manufacturing industry contributes $73.8 billion to the state economy. This year, the contest field was narrowed to four finalists from an initial pool of over 100 entries.
The players
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
This is the state's largest general business association and the primary organizer of the annual manufacturing contest.
BMO
This financial institution serves as a partner for the contest and the announcement of the finalists.
Komatsu
Based in Milwaukee, this manufacturer is one of the four finalists with its 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel.
AriensCo
Located in Brillion, this company is a contest finalist for its Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 product.
Vortex
Headquartered in Barneveld, this manufacturer is represented in the finals by its M157 Small Arms Fire Control.
The details
The finalists include Komatsu's 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel, AriensCo's Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60, Cardinal IG's CliC Smart Privacy Glass, and Vortex's M157 Small Arms Fire Control. The winning product, which will receive a trophy produced in Fall River, will be determined by public voting that allows one submission per day per email address.
Timeline
The finalists were officially announced on October 14, 2026.
Final round voting begins at 8 a.m. on October 15, 2026.
Voting concludes at noon on October 27, 2026.
The winner will be announced at the Business Day event in Madison on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
The contest follows an 11-year precedent of highlighting local industrial innovation to boost the state's manufacturing profile. By elevating these specific products, the initiative positions regional manufacturers within a highly visible, state-wide competitive market.
Residents can participate in the selection process by casting one vote daily for their preferred product through the official website. This direct engagement allows the public to influence the recognition of local manufacturers and their contributions to the state economy.
The takeaway
This contest underscores the importance of public awareness regarding local manufacturing output. Residents are encouraged to review the finalist profiles to better understand the technological products being produced within their own state borders.
What happens next
Final round voting opens on October 15, 2026, at 8 a.m. and closes on October 27, 2026, at noon, followed by the winner announcement in Madison later that day.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's industrial sector on the Wisconsin Manufacturing page.
More information
Find complete details and cast your vote at the official contest information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
Live Poll
Do you believe local manufacturing contests help promote career opportunities in your community?
