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NE Manufacturing Alliance

  • About Us
    • NeMAC
    • NAMC - Dream It Do It
    • Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership
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  • Coolest Thing Made In NE
    • Contest Rules
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  • MFG for Students
    • Cool Stuff
  • MFG’s Impact
    • NE MFG of the Year Awards
  • Careers
    • Find a Job or Internship
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  • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • NeMAC
    • NAMC - Dream It Do It
    • Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership
    • WIM Nebraska
    • Nebraska Chamber
  • Coolest Thing Made In NE
    • Contest Rules
  • Industry 4.0
  • MFG for Students
    • Cool Stuff
  • MFG’s Impact
    • NE MFG of the Year Awards
  • Careers
    • Find a Job or Internship
    • Manufacturing The Good Life
  • Contact Us
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 ​Contest Voting

Round 2 - Top 8

VOTING TAKES PLACE
September 25-29

2024 Nominees
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VOTING FOR THE TOP 8 ​TAKES PLACE
Wednesday, September 25- Sunday, September 29


The NE Manufacturing Alliance's Coolest Thing Made In Nebraska ​competition highlights Nebraska's manufacturing industry. The diversity and quality of the products nominated are a testament to the dedication and work ethic of Nebraska's manufacturing industry. Nebraska's manufacturing industry is truly the backbone of our economy!

Take a closer look and you’ll be amazed by all the cool products Nebraska manufacturers make.


Voting begins below the top 8 descriptions.
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Become a Member
Membership not only offers a network of fellow manufacturers, but it also provides you with the ​peace of mind to know that while you are running your business, we are monitoring issues that affect you, ​your business and your bottom line
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Here are the Top 8 Products in the Coolest Thing Made In Nebraska Contest
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Coolest Thing
Valley Center Pivot​
- Valley Irrigation - A Valmont Company
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Valley® Center Pivots, made in Valley and McCook, Nebraska, have revolutionized global agriculture. They conserve water, improve crop yields and incorporate cutting-edge technology such as remote management. Used in more than 90 countries, Valley pivots help growers increase food production while conserving natural resources. Remarkably, more than 100 different crops grow under Valley center pivots!
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Coolest Thing
Autonomous Feed Truck
- ALA Engineering
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The future of the feedlot could include autonomous feed trucks, enabling operations to focus more on product and less on equipment and operations. That is the hope of a Nebraska startup company called ALA Engineering. Currently, in the testing phase, ALA Engineering’s prototype vehicle has undergone trials in Nebraska feedlots. The prototype is a standard feed truck with some tweaks, and sensor systems on board, engineering the integration of human oversight alongside autonomous technology. ALA Engineering envisions a future where smart feedlot technologies and autonomy seamlessly integrate into everyday operations.

ALAN, The ALA Navigator, is cutting-edge intelligence behind feedlot operations, combining advanced software, sensors, and computing power to autonomously feed cattle with precision and efficiency.
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Coolest Thing
Barrel Aged Lord of Ord
- Scratchtown Brewing Company
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Opened in 2013, Scratchtown Brewing Company has been dedicated to brewing and serving an assortment of premium-quality handcrafted beer. They take pride in using four simple ingredients (water, malt, hops and yeast) to make complex and delicious beers. Their beer is made with some of the freshest, purest water on the planet – drawn from the Ogalala aquifer right under our feet.

Scratchtown has brewed over 200 different styles of beer since opening in 2013. They offer an ever-changing selection of quality beers and the barrel aged Lord of Ord Imperial Stout is no exception. 
 
The beer in question is a seasonal offering brewed each winter, with this particular barrel aged version using bourbon barrels sourced from Midwest Barrel Company. Scratchtown is proud to work with a number of Nebraska-based suppliers and vendors to brew uniquely Nebraskan beer using uniquely Nebraskan ingredients. They include not only barrels, but popcorn, hops, honey, coffee and berries from local Nebraska vendors.

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Coolest Thing
Toilet Paper
- Outlook Nebraska
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Outlook Nebraska, the sole toilet paper manufacturer in Nebraska, is the largest employer of the blind and visually impaired in Nebraska and a seven-state region. It is an Omaha not-for-profit with a global reach. Adaptive machinery allows blind and visually impaired employees at Outlook Nebraska to produce 25 miles of paper product per minute and package over 3.9 million rolls of toilet paper with 1.6 million pounds of paper converted each month – all of which are composed of 100% recycled fiber to increase sustainability. Outlook Nebraska’s mission is to positively impact anyone who is blind or visually impaired. Creating an adaptive environment and a culture of inclusivity at Outlook Nebraska has enabled employees to gain meaningful employment, a sense of purpose, social engagement, and opportunities for advancement within or outside the organization. ​
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Coolest Thing
Convertible Checkout Counter
- Lozier Corporation
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The first of its kind convertible checkout counter leverages a patented, automated turntable to change from a self-checkout counter to a traditional, staffed, checkout with the touch of a button. This solution gives retailers flexibility to pivot quickly to respond to staffing or needs of their business.
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Coolest Thing
9mm Luger +P Critical Duty Bullet
- Hornady
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The 9mm Luger +P Critical Duty is the official duty ammunition of the FBI. The FlexLock® bullet incorporates two revolutionary Hornady® features to deliver superior barrier penetration and consistent performance in FBI tactical handgun ammunition tests (FBI Protocol). The patented Hornady® Flex Tip® design eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. A large mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock® band works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention, excellent expansion, consistent penetration and terminal performance through all FBI test barriers. Bright nickel-plated cases simplify chamber checks in reduced light. Additionally, all Critical Duty® ammunition is loaded with low flash propellant to help preserve night vision in low-light firing. ​​
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Coolest Thing
Hand Painted Wallpaper
-  Vahallan
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Vahallan manufactures hand painted wallpapers for the interior design industry and customers all over the world. Their collective mission revolves around delivering Vahallan's celebrated artistry into the hands of discerning designers, redefining luxury spaces and elevating interiors to new heights. They have made wallpaper for Cartier, Christian Dior and most recently was asked to produce wallpaper for one of LeBron James' homes.
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Coolest Thing
Insulin Syringes
-  embecta
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Insulin Syringes with Ultra-Fine needles are available in 1 mL, 0.5 mL and 0.3 mL capacities, with 6 mm, 8 mm and 12.7 mm needles. For nearly 100 years, embecta has been making insulin delivery simpler for people around the world. They know diabetes experience is unique to each person, and — no matter what their treatment plan looks like — they should never have to face diabetes alone. With a singular focus on improving the lives of people living with diabetes, embecta offers a wide variety of insulin delivery devices and comprehensive care resources to best fit their needs. ​​
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Vote for YOUR Favorite Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska
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Voting Begins Here
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2024 Coolest Things Made in Nebraska
Top 8 Voting

    ​Vote for your favorite 2024 "Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska" products

    Please select one from each match up
Submit
     STATE AGENCIES
  • opportunity.nebraska.gov/
    ​
    Nebraska Department of Economic Development
  • Nebraska Department of Education
  • Nebraska Department of Labor
CONTACT US
1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 302
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402.480-6781
​E-mail for more information 
​[email protected]
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NE Manufacturing Alliance
1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 302
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402.480-6781

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NE Manufacturing Alliance  All Rights Reserved.
1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 302  |  Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 474-4422