MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and BMO announced on Wednesday the Top 4 products advancing in the 11th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The competition showcases the state’s $73.8 billion manufacturing industry and its high-tech, high-skill, and high-pay career opportunities.
Over a thousand products representing a wide array of industries have been nominated since the contest’s launch. Winning products have included food products, firetrucks, cranes, motorcycles, military vehicles, robotic carts, rifles, and even kringle. This year, over 100 products were nominated for the competition. After three rounds of voting, Wisconsinites have narrowed the field down to the Top 4.
The finalists were announced via a livestream broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. The 2026 trophy, produced by EK in Fall River, was also revealed in the livestream. The announcement can be viewed by clicking here.
2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Finalists:
4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel
Komatsu | Milwaukee
Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60
AriensCo | Brillion
CliC Smart Privacy Glass
Cardinal IG | Tomah
M157 Small Arms Fire Control
Vortex | Barneveld
The final round of voting to determine the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin begins on Thursday, October 15, at 8:00am. Individuals can vote once per day, per email address, until 12:00pm on October 27. The product with the most votes will be crowned the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison that same day. For more information, visit www.madeinwis.com.
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