The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) announced the nominations for their Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest last week, and several area manufacturers were nominated for products they produce. More than 130 products were nominated this year, “representing every corner of the state and a wide array of industries, including military and space, food and beverage, machinery and transportation, and more,” the WMC said in their announcement press release.
Nominees include two products manufactured right here in Merrill.
WMC partners with Johnson Financial Group to hold the annual contest, which began in 2016, designed to highlight Wisconsin’s thriving manufacturing industry, which contributes $71 billion to the economy according to the WMC, as well as providing job and career opportunities for nearly half a million Wisconsinites and generating innovative products for and in a huge variety of industries.
“Wisconsin is home to nearly 500,000 men and women who are employed by our thousands of manufacturers,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “This contest highlights not only the cool products made in our state, but also the entrepreneurship and work behind each product. Our manufacturers are the best in the country, and we have a great opportunity to underscore their contributions to our economy, the high-paying careers they create, and the innovative, necessary products they make.”