What is “Manufacturing Madness”?

“Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina” is an annual statewide contest celebrating the products, people, and craftsmanship of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry.

Launched in 2022 by the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, the contest invites manufacturers across the state to nominate a product made in South Carolina — then lets the public vote to choose the “Coolest Thing Made in SC.”

How It Works

Nominations

  • Any product manufactured in South Carolina can be nominated during the nomination period.
  • There’s no limit to the number of products a person can nominate.

Nominations

  • The contest uses a bracket format with rounds that narrow the field from an initial pool of nominees, through Popular Vote, Top 16, Top 8, Top 4, and a final round.

Public Participation

  • During the Popular Vote round, individuals may vote for up to five products per day.
  • In subsequent head-to-head rounds, voters may choose one product per matchup per day.

One Winner Crowned

  • The product with the most votes in the final round earns the title “Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina.”
  • The winner is announced at a ceremony held at the State House.

Past Winners & Recent Highlights

  • 2025: High Noon Sun Sips — manufactured by Gallo in Fort Lawn
  • 2024: Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Valve — manufactured by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville
  • 2023: F-16 Fighting Falcon — manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Greenville
  • 2022: Steel — manufactured by Nucor Steel Berkeley in Huger.

Learn more: https://scmanufacturingmadness.com/