Manufacture Alabama announced Tuesday that the Racing Honda Odyssey by Honda has been named the 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in Alabama” after the statewide Manufacturing Madness competition concluded.
The winning product was revealed during an awards ceremony held April 7 at the Center for Commerce in Montgomery, where Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, presented the award.
The event brought together leading manufacturers, elected officials and community partners to celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship and impact of products made across Alabama.
This year’s competition drew more than 50,000 votes, with entries representing a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Manufacture Alabama said in a news release that the four finalists—AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, Austal USA, Honda and Blue Origin—showcased Alabama’s depth of manufacturing excellence, each producing a product that reflects the state’s ingenuity and global reach.
“This competition not only celebrates the innovative, world-class products made right here in Alabama, it is also a testament to the men and women behind the products and the companies that invest so much in their communities and create a lasting and positive economic impact on our state,” said Jon Barganier, president and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and to our 2026 winner.”
“Being named the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Alabama’ is an incredible honor for our team. This recognition reflects the passion and pride that go into every vehicle we build here in Alabama,” said Lamar Whitaker, plant lead for Honda Alabama Auto Plant. “The Racing Honda Odyssey showcases the creativity and capability of our associates who push the boundaries of what’s possible every day. As we approach 25 years of manufacturing in Alabama, we’re proud to be part of such a robust community that rewards American-made excellence and ingenuity.”
Manufacturing Madness is a bracket-style public voting competition that highlights manufacturing’s role in Alabama’s economy and raises awareness of the diverse, high-quality products made in communities across the state. With thousands of votes cast statewide, the campaign said it aims to continue spotlighting the strength and impact of Alabama’s manufacturing sector.
