Created by the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC), “Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina” returns with its annual statewide contest celebrating products, people and craftmanship in South Carolina’s manufacturing industry.
“We take great pride in what we manufacture right here in our backyard,” Sara Hazzard, SCMC president and CEO said. “Manufacturing Madness is one of our favorite times of the year. It gives our members and voters across the world a unique opportunity to celebrate South Carolina-made-products from all-terrain vehicles to planes used by the military and everything in between and the hard-working South Carolinians that develop them.”
With more than 6,000 manufacturing facilities in the state and 120 nominated products, for your favorite manufacturer to make the cut, votes are needed.
The contest timeline includes:
March 2-5: Top 16 bracket
March 9-12: Top 8 bracket
March 16-19: Top 4 bracket
March 24: Winner will be announced at the State House with Governor Henry McMaster
Several local manufacturers are in the running:
Jankel Tactical Systems for BLASTech Seating, Duncan, https://www.jankelts.com/
Refresco Beverages for Body Armor Sports Drink, Greer, http://www.refresco.com/en
AFL for Fiber Optic Cable, Duncan, https://www.aflglobal.com/en/Products/Fiber-Optic-Cable/High-Density/Premise-MicroCore/Ultra-HD-MicroCore
SEW Eurodrive, for Gearboxes, Lyman, https://www.seweurodrive.com/home.html
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, for BMW X3 M50i, Spartanburg, https://www.bmwusa.com
South Carolina’s manufacturing industry contributes more than $300 billion in annual economic impact, supports 30 % of all jobs in the state and generates one-third of South Carolina’s general fund revenue.
“The impact our manufacturers have far beyond South Carolina is exciting,” Hazzard said. “It demonstrates that the innovation, creativity, precision and skill of our companies and dedication of our employees distinguish us from our neighbors and so many of our competitors across the country.”
Since it’s launch in 2022, Manufacturing Madness, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, has garnered more than 750,000 votes from over 120 countries around the world.
Cast your vote for up to five products each day by 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at https://scmanufacturingmadness.com/vote/.
