Over 20 Central IL-made products nominated for ‘Makers Madness’ 2024

Bradley Zimmerman
·2 min read

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Voting is now open for the fifth annual “Maker’s Madness,” a bracket-style tournament between items and products manufactured in Illinois.

The contest is administered by the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, but the public will decide the winner. More than 200 products made across Illinois, including over 20 from Central Illinois, were nominated for the contest, ranging from agriculture equipment to sweet treats.

“The products nominated in this year’s contest demonstrate the breadth and depth of our state’s dynamic and innovative manufacturing industry, which has the power to reshape communities and transform lives,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “As we celebrate the achievements of manufacturers across Illinois, we must continue to work in partnership with policymakers to ensure the industry can continue to flourish for generations to come.”

Mahomet-Seymour JHS named State Winner of STEM competition

The product that goes all the way to the final and wins will be dubbed 2024’s “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.”

Products made in Central Illinois, or otherwise connected to Central Illinois, include:

  • The 2000 Series Stahlkammer Grill, made by Engelbrecht Grills and Cookers in Paxton

  • Big Eli Ferris Wheel, made by Eli Bridge Company in Jacksonville

  • The Birt Plate, made by Micro Tek Pattern in Decatur

  • Cutting boards made by John Boos & Co., Inc. in Effingham

  • The Marching Illini’s uniforms, made by DeMoulin Brothers & Co. in Greenville

  • Electric compressors, made by TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur

  • Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Whole Bean Coffee, made by Marquis Beverage Co. in Decatur

  • Fire hydrants made by Mueller in Decatur

  • Flight simulators made by Frasca International in Urbana

  • Glazed Clementine Orange, made by Cresco Labs – Mindy’s Edibles in Lincoln

  • Headlights and taillights for the Acura Integra, made by North American Lighting in Paris

  • Hefty garbage bags, made by Reynolds Consumer Products in Jacksonville

  • Knee braces made by Joint Active Systems in Effingham

  • Mac & cheese, made by Kraft-Heinz in Champaign

  • Organs made by John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders in Champaign

  • P Series Pumps, made by Hydro-Gear in Sullivan

  • The Petplus angle broom with dustpan, made by Libman in Arcola

  • Sour Cream and Ice Cream made by Prairie Farms of Edwardsville

  • Snowman Oreo Trios, made by Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet in Springfield

  • The Saint AR-15 Rifle, made by Springfield Armory in Springfield

  • Structural steel made by Kurland Steel Co. in Urbana

  • The TORQ NV CS Tactical Flashlight, made by First-Light USA in Seymour

There will be several rounds of voting over the next few weeks. The first round runs through March 17 and will pick out the Top 16.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.