Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group have announced the 16 finalists in the 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. More than 15,000 votes were cast to select these products, which will now compete in a head-to-head tournament called Manufacturing Madness.

“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 announcement was made by Kurt R. Bauer during a livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

The Top 16 products moving forward include Carbliss from Plymouth, Genesis Work Boots from Thorogood in Merrill, Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboat from Marion, XUV 845M Gator Utility Vehicle from John Deere in Horicon, Comfort Custom Seating System from Permobil in New Berlin, Brawny 3-Ply Paper Towel from Georgia-Pacific in Green Bay, The Maple Shot 10 pack carton from The Maple Dude in Granton, 38 VTR from Cruisers Yachts in Oconto, Milorganite Fertilizer from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in Milwaukee, Massive Generator Enclosure from EK Machine in Fall River, Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese from Sargento in Plymouth, Turntable Swing Gate from Pack Air Inc. in Neenah, Kikkoman Soy Sauce from Kikkoman Foods Inc. in Walworth, Model 60 Slant Ice Merchandiser from Leer Inc. in New Lisbon, Extrication Tools from TNT Rescue Systems in Hartland, and Toro Dingo Compact Utility Loader from The Toro Company in Tomah.

Voting for this round begins at 8:00am on Thursday, Oct. 2 and ends at 5:00pm on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Each person can vote once per day per email address to help decide which products move on to the Top 8. The final winner will be announced at WMC’s Business Day event on October 23 at Monona Terrace in Madison. More information about voting can be found at www.madeinwis.com.