From Magnets To Toilets, Central MN Makers Vie For Manufacturing Crown

What’s the coolest thing made in Minnesota?

64 products are competing for that title this year, and Central Minnesota has several contenders that might make you stop scrolling and say, “Wait...I know them!”

THE COOLEST THING MADE IN MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has announced the Top 64 entries in its annual “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest, and there are several products made by companies right here in central Minnesota.

NIRON MAGNETICS - SARTELL CONTENDER

One of the competing companies is fairly new to our area. Niron Magnetics of Sartell is competing with its Iron Nitride permanent magnets. The company is developing a new generation of high-performance magnets that don't rely on rare-earth materials. Niron is also building a major manufacturing facility in Sartell.

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SMUDE'S OIL - PIERZ CONTENDER

How about Smude's Popcorn? If you've ever grabbed a bag of their popcorn, you already know why this one could have some serious local support.

CARSTENS WILDERNESS TOILET - MELROSE CONTENDER

Then there's the Carstens Wilderness Toilet, a product that proves Minnesota manufacturing isn't always about things you put in your living room. The company, based in Melrose, makes specialized portable sanitation products designed for outdoor, recreational, and remote applications. I can tell you this...The last time I peed in the woods, I got poison ivy all over my behind. I'm all BEHIND the Carstens Wilderness Toilet!

CMP  'HYDRA BUCKET' - CLEAR LAKE CONTENDER

CMP's 'Hydra Bucket ' is also in the competition. It's a hydraulic attachment used in construction and excavation, giving this Clear Lake, Minnesota business an amazing chance to show off some serious manufacturing equipment.

PREMIER MARINE - BIG LAKE CONTENDER

And if you're dreaming about getting out on the water before summer disappears completely, Big Lakes'  Premier Marine has a pontoon in the running as a key contender.

HELP CENTRAL MINNESOTA TAKE HOME THIS YEAR'S TROPHY

A magnet. Popcorn. A wilderness toilet. A hydraulic bucket and a pontoon.

Which one gets your vote for the coolest thing made in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce launched public voting August 31st, and the competition is set up as a head-to-head bracket. The Top 64 will be narrowed to 32, then 16, eight, and eventually four finalists.

The final winner will be announced October 6th at the Minnesota Chamber's 2026 Manufacturers' Summit.

TALK ABOUT A TROPHY!

And the winner gets a pretty cool trophy, too. The trophy is made right here in Minnesota by Clow Stamping in Merrifield. I've been told it's a high-quality trophy that weighs 30 to 40 pounds and is made of steel!

Last year's winner was Polaris' MRZR Military RZR, manufactured in Roseau.

PLACE YOUR VOTES

Now it's Central Minnesota's turn to make some noise. Take a look at the 64 contenders, find your favorite and cast your vote. While you're at it, we'd love to know: Which Central Minnesota product do YOU think is the coolest?

There's only one way to find out.

Vote by clicking HERE...and let the bragging rights begin!