(The Center Square) – Nominations are now being accepted to find the coolest thing made in Illinois.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has launched its sixth annual “Makers Madness” bracket-style contest to determine the top product manufactured across the state. Any product that is manufactured in Illinois can be nominated for the tournament.
Nominations are being accepted at makersmadnessil.com through March 2, and voting to narrow the field to the top 16 products will begin two days later.
“Whether it is your favorite food or beverage, a transportation product, sports equipment, there are so many products made across the state, it really is a great way to showcase these products and show some pride in Illinois and what’s made here,” said IMA president and CEO Mark Denzler.
Last year’s champion was the Komatsu mining truck, a massive capacity vehicle used for construction and mining made in Peoria. Past winners include a self-regulating traffic signal heater made by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village, Rivian’s electric R1T truck made in Normal, and a 3D-printed polymer moon habitat manufactured by Rosenberg in Rockford.
Denzler said the contest is a good way to show just how important manufacturing is to Illinois.
“There are 650,000 workers in the manufacturing sector, it contributes the single largest share of our state’s economy, about 14%, and to highlight manufacturing as a critical cog in the state’s economy,” said Denzler.
The winner of this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Illinois will be announced April 9 during an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.
