City

WNC’s nominees for the Coolest Thing Made in NC Awards

By Brook Bolen
, August 30, 2021
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Photo courtesy of SylvanSport

In 2020, the NC Chamber launched the “Coolest Thing Made in NC ” competition to celebrate our state’s marvelous manufacturers. The contest — which invites the public to nominate + vote for their favorite product made in the Tar Heel State — is back this year , and features several WNC standouts among its 68 nominees.

Get to know these local manufacturers + their award-winning creations:

Screengrab via NC Chamber

Matriarch Synthesizer | Moog Music Inc., Asheville

  • An imaginative analog synthesizer from 1 of the ranking pioneers of electronic music.

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) | GE Aviation, Asheville

  • Advanced, lightweight materials for aircraft engines that help improve engine thermal efficiency while reducing fuel consumption + carbon emissions.

SylvanSport GO Camping Trailer | SylvanSport, Brevard

  • Spacious + ultralight pop-up camper that sleeps 4+ and has plenty of storage room.

Ikari: Line spools with magnetic fly storage | Sap & Bark, Brevard
  • Expertly engineered, magnetic fishing spools that make line management easy for all types of fishing, including small-stream, tenkara + blue-lining.

Photo courtesy of Gulo Composites

Gulo Composites Adventure Wheel-set: GGA-SL | Gulo Composites, Brevard

  • These lightweight, carbon composite bike spokes allow for a smoother ride + grip on challenging terrain.

Nurse Call Systems | TekTone, Franklin

  • Wireless emergency call systems for hospitals, nursing facilities, surgery centers + senior living communities.
Wanna weigh in? Voting takes place online through tomorrow, Aug. 31, with the 15 semifinalists slated to be announced Sept. 2. The winning product will be announced Oct. 1, aka National Manufacturing Day. While we’re hoping someone from the mountains will nab the top spot, we know whoever wins will be representing North Cackalacky to the fullest.

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Brook Bolen
Born and bred in Western North Carolina, Brook is based in Asheville, NC and has written for publications including Thrillist, Vice, the Guardian, and Salon. Prior to joining 6AM City in 2019, she worked as the assistant editor of WNC magazine. She enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring the city with her family.