West Virginia Manufacturers Announced Contest Finalists

The West Virginia Manufacturers Association has named the top five entries in its inaugural Coolest Thing Made in WV Contest.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of diverse industrial components and tools, including a metallic aerospace part and a steel tool head, representing West Virginia manufacturing. — The West Virginia Manufacturers Association named five finalists in its inaugural Coolest Thing Made in WV contest, highlighting the state's diverse industrial expertise. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The West Virginia Manufacturers Association revealed five finalists for its first Coolest Thing Made in WV competition. These companies were selected from a pool of nominees following more than 3,200 public votes.

Why it matters

The contest highlights the diverse range of manufacturing expertise found across the state, from aerospace components to artisanal goods. It serves as a platform to recognize local businesses and their contributions to the West Virginia economy.

The competition drew 3,200 public votes to narrow down the pool to five finalists. The finalists include operations ranging from a 13-year-old's 3D-printing business to heavy industrial manufacturers.

The players

West Virginia Manufacturers Association

This trade organization represents the interests of manufacturing companies and facilities operating throughout West Virginia.

Constellium

This global industrial company operates a facility in Ravenswood that produces specialized aluminum components for aerospace applications.

Silas Young

At 13 years old, he is the business owner and operator behind the 3D-printing firm Appalachian Critter Co. in Sutton.

Warwood Tool Co.

Based in Wheeling, this company has a long history of manufacturing hand tools including the well-known Pulaski Axe.

The details

The finalists include Constellium in Ravenswood, which builds aluminum components for the Artemis II rocket, and the Sutton-based Appalachian Critter Co., a 3D-printing firm led by 13-year-old Silas Young. Other finalists include the Wheeling-based Warwood Tool Co., maker of the Pulaski Axe, Renick’s Mountain Table, and the developers of the NeverDeer repellent.

September 21, 2026: The five finalists were officially announced.

Market Landscape

This event follows a pattern established by the 50-state Coolest Thing Made in America campaign by promoting local industrial achievements through public engagement. Such contests shift market visibility toward regional manufacturers, helping them gain exposure against larger national competitors.

Residents can follow the ongoing contest to support local businesses and discover products made within their own communities. The exposure gained by these finalists may lead to increased local availability and brand recognition for the products involved.

The takeaway

This competition demonstrates that industrial innovation in the state spans from youth-led startups to high-tech aerospace suppliers. Supporting these local businesses keeps manufacturing capital within the region and encourages future entrepreneurial growth.