News Summary
South Carolina is ready for the 4th Annual Manufacturing Madness contest, celebrating innovation and creativity. Eight remarkable products compete to be crowned the ‘Coolest Thing Made in SC.’ Voting begins again from March 3-6, 2025, leading up to the exciting finale on March 26, 2025, where the winner will be announced at the South Carolina Statehouse.
Manufacturing Madness in South Carolina: The Hunt for the Coolest Thing Made!
Hey there, South Carolina! Exciting things are happening as we dive into the 4th Annual Manufacturing Madness contest, where it’s time to highlight the most marvelous creations this wonderful state has to offer. Eight incredible products have made it through to the next round, and folks, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling showdown!
What’s the Contest All About?
The purpose of this charming contest is simple yet captivating: to crown the “Coolest Thing Made in SC.” Each year, local manufacturers introduce fabulous products that not only showcase the talent and creativity in our state but also cheer for the innovation that keeps South Carolina thriving.
From March 3-6, 2025, more than 80,000 votes were cast during the highly competitive Top 16 round. Now, voting is open once again at scmanufacturingmadness.com, so make sure your voice is heard as the competition heats up!
The Exciting Knockout Format
This time, the contest will be utilizing a head-to-head bracket-style competition. It means that each week the number of products will be halved until we have just four finalists left standing. Imagine the suspense and drama as we edge closer to discovering who will take home the title. Mark your calendars, as the ultimate winner will be announced on March 26, 2025, during a grand ceremony in front of the South Carolina Statehouse, with none other than Governor Henry McMaster revealing the champion!
Meet the Contestants
Here are the eight products that have advanced and are ready to battle it out for the top spot:
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner (The Boeing Company)
- Charleston High Noon Sun Sips (Gallo Winery)
- Chester Next-Gen USPS Delivery Vehicle (Oshkosh Defense)
- Spartanburg 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (ZF Transmissions)
- Laurens 670 LXS (Scout Boats)
- Dorchester BMW X5 (BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC)
- Spartanburg Ultra HD MicroCore SpiderWeb Ribbon (AFL)
- Spartanburg ClimateCool Smartbed (Sleep Number)
Why This Contest Matters
The Manufacturing Madness competition kicked off in 2022, guided by the passion of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA). It aims to celebrate the innovation and excellence of manufacturing in our state, putting a fun twist on the typically serious world of production. What’s more, this captivating contest is proudly sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, helping to shine a light on the creativity bustling within our manufacturing sector.
A Look Back at the Winners
Previous editions of Manufacturing Madness have boasted some impressive winners! The crown jewel for 2024 was the Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Valve, created by Honda in Timmonsville. In 2023, the F-16 Fighting Falcon from Lockheed Martin in Greenville took the cake. And in 2022, we celebrated the innovation of Steel from Nucor Steel Berkeley in Huger. Who will join this illustrious list of champions?
Important Dates to Remember
Ready to cast your votes? Here are the key dates you won’t want to miss:
- March 10-13: Top 8 voting
- March 17-20: Final voting round
- March 26: Winner announced!
Get ready, South Carolina! It’s time to show some love for the innovative products made right in our backyards. Let’s see which finalists will capture our hearts and clinch the enticing title of the coolest creation made in this fantastic state!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Manufacturing Madness Contest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Economy
- WBTV: New South Carolina Factory Investment
- Charleston Business: Impact of Presidency on SC Manufacturing
- Greenville Business Magazine: Manufacturing Strength in SC
