Manufacture Alabama hosts ‘Coolest Thing Made in Alabama’ competition

MONTGOMERY — A bracket-style competition akin to “March Madness” has been launched to find the “Coolest Thing Made in Alabama.”

Nominations and competition open Monday and there’s even a “Final Four” when it winds down in April.

“Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in Alabama” is a statewide competition celebrating Alabama’s manufacturers and their products, according to Manufacture Alabama.

“Alabama’s manufacturers produce some of the most innovative, high-quality products in the world, driving our state’s economy and shaping the future for generations to come,” said Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama.

Manufacturing Madness is an online competition where the public will vote to determine the “coolest” product made in Alabama. The competition will conclude in April with a special recognition ceremony, where state leaders and industry representatives will honor the 2025 winner alongside the “Final Four.”

“Manufacturing Madness is a chance to highlight the incredible people, companies, and products that make our state a national leader and we’re excited to celebrate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that helps to define Alabama,” said Barganier.

“We look forward to seeing which product earns the title of ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Alabama’ this year.”

Key dates and timeline for Manufacturing Madness:

• Feb. 17 – Competition begins, and nominations open at www.almanufacturingmadness.com. Any product manufactured in Alabama is eligible for submission.
• March 7 – Nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m.
• March 11-14 – Popular Vote: Online voting opens to determine the top 16 products. (Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. March 14).
• March 18 – The Top 16 contenders are announced and placed into the bracket competition.
• March 18–21 – First Round: Voting determines the Top 8 products. (Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. March 21).
• March 25 – The Top 8 contenders are announced and placed into the bracket competition.
• March 25-28 – Second Round: Voting determines the Top 4 products. (Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. March 28).
• April 1 – The Top 4 contenders are announced and placed into the bracket competition.
• April 1–4 – Final Round: Voting determines the winner. (Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. April 4).