Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Top 16 products move on in Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest

MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group announced on Wednesday the Top 16 products moving on in the 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Over 15,000 votes were cast to determine which Wisconsin-made products will advance to Manufacturing Madness – a head-to-head, tournament-style bracket competition.

“Manufacturing is the largest industry in Wisconsin and a key driver of our economic growth,” said Kurt Bauer, President and CEO of WMC. “These products reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the industry, which is exactly why we hold this contest. We’re excited to showcase these innovative products and recognize the hardworking people in manufacturing who play such a vital role for our state.”

The Top 16 products were announced by Bauer via a livestream broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. The announcement video can be viewed by clicking here.

2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Top 16:

#1 Seed: Carbliss 

Carbliss in Plymouth

#2 Seed: Genesis Work Boots

Thorogood in Merrill

#3 Seed: Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboat

1000 Island Airboats in Marion

#4 Seed: XUV 845M Gator™ Utility Vehicle

John Deere in Horicon

#5 Seed: Comfort Custom Seating System

Permobil in New Berlin

#6 Seed: Brawny 3-Ply Paper Towel

Georgia-Pacific in Green Bay

#7 Seed: The Maple Shot 10 pack carton

The Maple Dude in Granton

#8 Seed: 38 VTR

Cruisers Yachts in Oconto

#9 Seed: Milorganite Fertilizer

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in Milwaukee

#10 Seed: Massive Generator Enclosure

EK Machine in Fall River

#11 Seed: Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese

Sargento in Plymouth

#12 Seed: Turntable Swing Gate

Pack Air Inc. in Neenah

#13 Seed: Kikkoman Soy Sauce

Kikkoman Foods, Inc. in Walworth

#14 Seed: Model 60 Slant Ice Merchandiser

Leer Inc. in New Lisbon

#15 Seed: Extrication Tools

TNT Rescue Systems in Hartland

#16 Seed: Toro Dingo Compact Utility Loader

The Toro Company in Tomah

Voting in this first round of the Manufacturing Madness tournament kicks off at 8:00am on Thursday, Oct. 2 and goes through 5:00pm on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Manufacturers, consumers, and the public are encouraged to vote once per day, per email to help determine the Top 8, which will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Ultimately, this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin will be announced at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison on Oct. 23. Learn more and vote at www.madeinwis.com