Manufacturing has long been at the heart of Wisconsin’s economy, and that rings loud and true in Superior and Douglas County. From the shores of Lake Superior to the industrial corridors that connect our region to the rest of the Midwest, manufacturing and industry drive local jobs, support the trades and innovation, and foster community pride. This sector not only sustains families and strengthens our tax base but also fuels growth in countless other areas, from retail and restaurants to housing and transportation.
The Backbone of Our Local Economy
Douglas County’s economic strength is rooted in its manufacturing and industrial base. According to recent data, manufacturing continues to be one of the largest employers in the area, providing well-paying jobs with benefits and long-term career paths. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent the livelihoods of thousands of residents and the heartbeat of our communities.
What makes Superior and Douglas County unique is the diversity of our manufacturing landscape. From large-scale industrial operations tied to shipping and energy to small and mid-sized businesses producing specialty products, the region is home to makers who keep Wisconsin’s reputation for quality craftsmanship strong. Our port facilities, rail lines and highway access also provide an advantage, allowing local manufacturers to ship goods efficiently across the country and even around the globe.
This industrial ecosystem is more than just production. It is innovation in action. Local manufacturers invest in new technologies, advanced machinery and sustainable practices that ensure their products remain competitive. They also serve as community anchors — sponsoring youth programs, supporting schools and stepping up when the community needs them most.
Wisconsin’s Celebration of Innovation: The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin
Every fall, manufacturers across the state participate in the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” competition, hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group. This friendly contest highlights the breadth and depth of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector by showcasing products that range from everyday household items to highly specialized machinery and technology.
The competition takes the form of a statewide bracket, much like a sports tournament, where the public votes to determine which product advances to the next round. The contest not only shines a light on Wisconsin’s ingenuity but also builds excitement and pride in the manufacturing industry.
Superior and Douglas County have regularly had entries in the competition, and our local manufacturers have proven time and again that innovation doesn’t just come from the state’s largest cities. Whether it’s a niche product with global reach or a staple item that keeps industries moving, our region’s manufacturers are well represented on the statewide stage. Seeing local companies in the bracket is a source of pride, a reminder that our corner of Wisconsin contributes some of the state’s most impressive products.
Local Entries Showcase Our Strength
When Superior or Douglas County businesses are part of the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” competition, it gives our community a chance to rally around them. Local support pours in, with residents casting votes, sharing stories, and celebrating the recognition. This kind of statewide attention not only benefits the companies directly involved but also highlights the entire region’s manufacturing capacity.
These entries showcase the ingenuity and skill of our local workforce. They reflect the dedication of men and women who spend their days designing, crafting, testing, and perfecting products that are used in industries across the world. And they remind us that manufacturing is not just about machines — it’s about people, families and communities.
Why It Matters
Manufacturing and industry are not relics of the past. They are the foundation of our present and the promise of our future. As automation, technology and global competition reshape the sector, Superior and Douglas County manufacturers continue to adapt and thrive. They train workers in new skills, forge partnerships with technical colleges, and invest in research and development.
The “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest gives us a fun way to showcase those efforts, but the impact goes much deeper. Every job in manufacturing supports additional jobs in our local economy. Every new innovation sparks opportunities for growth. Every time a Superior or Douglas County business makes it into the bracket, it reinforces our identity as a region that makes things — and makes them well.
A Call to Celebrate and Support
As the next round of the competition unfolds in October, we have much to celebrate. Whether our local entries advance to the final stage, their inclusion reminds us of the strength of our manufacturing base and the creativity that drives it. It’s also an opportunity for us as a community to support our local businesses — not just with votes in a competition but with ongoing encouragement, recognition, and patronage.
Manufacturing is more than an industry in Douglas County. It is a source of pride, resilience and identity. The individuals who work in factories, warehouses, and plants are the makers who ensure that our community thrives. They are proof that Superior and Douglas County truly embody the best of Wisconsin’s manufacturing spirit.
So, the next time you see a product from a local company in the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” bracket, remember — it’s not just about the competition. It’s about celebrating who we are, what we create, and the role we play in keeping Wisconsin strong. And in Superior and Douglas County, we have a lot to be proud of.
