Coolest Things Made in WI Down to Top 8

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group announced on Wednesday the eight products moving on in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The eight Wisconsin-made products each won a head-to-head matchup in Manufacturing Madness, the bracket-style tournament that is part of the contest.

Over 130 products were initially nominated for the ninth annual competition, which seeks to highlight the state’s vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry, including its $71 billion economic output and nearly 500,000 jobs. 

“We are always amazed to see how engaged Wisconsinites are with this competition,” said Nick Novak, WMC’s Vice President of Communications & Marketing. “Nearly 100,000 votes have already been cast in this year’s contest alone. Congratulations to the top 8 Coolest products!”

The Top 8 products were announced via a livestream broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. The announcement show can be viewed by clicking here.

The Top 8 Coolest Things Made in Wisconsin:

 #2 Seed: Dauntless Evaporator

 Smoky Lake Maple Products, Hilbert

 #5 Seed: The Works – Burger Blend

PS Seasoning, Iron Ridge

 #9 Seed: Custom Built Metal Benches

Production Grinding & Machining, Monroe

 #10 Seed: X739 Signature Series Lawn Tractor

John Deere, Horicon

 #11 Seed: Revo

Vulture Systems, Menomonee Falls

 #13 Seed: Jolly Good Soda

Krier Foods, Random Lake

 #14 Seed: Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs

Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs, Minocqua

 #16 Seed: Military Medals and Insignia

Medalcraft Mint Inc., Green Bay

The winners will compete in matchups to determine the Top 4. Those four products will compete in one final popular vote round to determine the ultimate winner, which will be announced at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison on Oct. 17.

Voting in the next round will begin at 8:00am on Thursday, Oct. 3 and end at 5:00pm on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Manufacturers, employees and consumers alike are welcome to participate in the voting. Votes can be cast once per day, per device at www.madeinwis.com.