North Carolina Named Winners of Manufacturing Contest
Local manufacturers earned top honors in a public vote designed to boost awareness for the state's industrial workforce.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Manufacturing
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The NC Chamber announced the winners of its seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC contest, highlighting production excellence across three business size categories. Voters selected the winners from a total of 88 products nominated during the online competition.
Why it matters
The competition serves to increase awareness of manufacturing career paths and honor the industry that generates more than 15% of the state's gross domestic product. Highlighting these companies helps attract talent and visibility to the sector, which employs over 8.9% of the state's workforce.
The seventh annual contest included 88 nominated products, honoring companies like Old School Mill, which produces 25 items with 10 employees. Manufacturing currently accounts for over 15% of North Carolina's gross state product and 8.9% of the total workforce.
The players
NC Chamber
A business advocacy organization that promotes economic growth and industrial policy in North Carolina.
Carrier
A global provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions with significant production facilities in Charlotte.
American Honda Motor Co.
A major automotive manufacturer that operates a production plant in Swepsonville.
Old School Mill
An Albemarle-based small business producer employing 10 staff members.
Allegacy Financial
A credit union and financial services institution established in 1967.
The details
The NC Chamber partnered with Allegacy Financial to conduct the online voting process. Winners included Carrier for its chillers, American Honda Motor Co. for its FourTrax Foreman 4x4, and Old School Mill for its hot cocoa mix. This initiative creates public exposure for industrial operations ranging from small local mills to large global manufacturing plants.
Timeline
1967: Allegacy Financial was established in North Carolina.
1992: Old School Brand was officially launched.
2020: The NC Chamber launched the competition.
October 2, 2026: National Manufacturing Day.
November 2026: Winners will be featured in Business North Carolina magazine.
Market Landscape
The contest follows the pattern set by annual National Manufacturing Day observances to promote industrial career awareness. It serves as a localized effort to maintain the competitiveness of the state's manufacturing sector amid broader national shifts in workforce development.
Operators should monitor the November issue of Business North Carolina to see how these companies are marketing their manufacturing identity to customers. Small businesses can use this visibility as a benchmark for how local manufacturing recognition can support brand awareness.
The takeaway
Industrial recognition programs provide valuable PR opportunities that can help small and medium businesses differentiate themselves in a tight labor market. Operators should review the upcoming November issue of Business North Carolina to identify marketing strategies used by the winning firms.
Further reading
For more on the local sector, see the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business North Carolina.
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