Minnesota Innovations
Minnesota companies have a long history of innovation, creating some of the “coolest” products to fuel our economy. This year, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is launching a competition to highlight this innovation. Nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota are open through August 15.
In the spirit of the contest, we wanted to share some of the coolest items manufactured in southwest Minnesota by Southwest Initiative Foundation’s current and former loan clients. This is definitely not an exhaustive list of the innovations created in our region or even by our loan clients, but it’s a fun sampling of some that are truly unique!
Altimate Medical (Morton) – Zing pediatric standers (mobility devices)
Altimate Medical is improving lives with thoughtfully designed medical technology. Its Zing brand offers a complete range of standing devices for kids. The Zing MPS is unique because its patented design can be adjusted from the supine to prone position in one smooth move, which allows the stander to accommodate a child’s needs, providing all the benefits of standing and adding additional therapeutic assistance. The pediatric standers’ features promote musculoskeletal development for children during critical growth years. All Zing products are designed and assembled in Morton and distributed in over 60 countries around the world.
Photo credit: Altimate Medical, Inc. and Zing
DI Labs (Willmar) – Industrial grade 3D printing
From anatomic heart models to full-color surgical devices to manufacturing aids and automotive components, DI Labs can make a wide variety of products. This additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing service bureau was built by three brothers who are product development and manufacturing engineers. They’ve been in business for ten years offering a full range of manufacturing solutions from prototypes to full-scale production. They also offer innovation workshops, including an upcoming one on September 12 about how to save costs and create opportunities with industrial 3D printing.
Photo credit: DI Labs
Midwest Fire (Luverne) – Custom fire trucks
Since 1987, Midwest Fire has worked alongside firefighters, designing and manufacturing custom fire trucks including Brush Trucks, Pumpers, Tankers, Tanker-Pumpers, Quick-Attacks, Mini Pumpers and Type 3 trucks that save countless lives and protect vast amounts of property. Midwest Fire has delivered more than 1,500 trucks across the USA and is proudly woman owned. Co-owner Sarah Atchison left her career as a dental hygienist when she and her husband, Dean decided to acquire the company.
Photo credit: Midwest Fire
Sailor Plastics (Adrian) – Honey bear bottles
You know those cute little honey bear containers you see on store shelves? You can get them from Sailor Plastics! The Clear PET Honey Bear Bottles are designed for high product visibility and great versatility. The popular bear design features dotted eyes and nose and comes in four sizes. The company also manufactures bottles for fresh squeezed juices, flavored waters and sauces. All bottles are “Made in the USA” at their facility in Adrian. Sailor Plastics, a manufacturer of bottle products for the food industry, was founded by the Sailor family in the 1950s. In 2015, Lorin Krueger bought the company from former owners Terry and Brenda Sailor.
Photo credit: Sailor Plastics
Stamp-n-Storage (Hutchinson) – Craft room organizers
The Stamp-n-Storage story began with a honey-do list. Mary Haugen, an avid crafter, had been looking for a better way to organize her supplies. She turned to her engineer husband for a solution. Brett Haugen went to work in his garage and began designing the first Stamp-n-Storage products. Things took off from there! Although Stamp-n-Storage is no longer located in Brett’s garage, the company remains in the small town of Hutchinson. Every Ink Pad Holder, Paper Holder, and other storage cabinets are all built at the 30,000-square-foot facility. It’s acquired two organizing brands: Best Craft Organizer customizable craft storage cabinets and Craft-n-Go portable craft storage cases. Stamp-n-Storage now employs over 40 people, has a retail store, and continues to help organize craft rooms worldwide.
Photo credit: Stamp-n-Storage
Southwest Initiative Foundation’s loan programs
The products we spotlighted are manufactured in our region by current and former loan clients of the foundation. Southwest Initiative Foundation supports local businesses, employees and families to help create economic mobility for everyone in our communities. Our loan programs in particular provide creative financing to start and grow businesses. In partnership with banks and credit unions, economic development organizations, nonprofit lenders and private investors, we create and retain quality jobs, foster entrepreneurship and help our communities – large and small – compete in a global marketplace.
Submit a product for the contest
Odds are there’s a cool product manufactured locally in your community or nearby. Maybe you’re even the manufacturer of it! You can enter the contest or nominate a product.
Product submissions will be accepted online through August 15. Submission information includes a product description, photos, information about the creating company and acknowledgement of qualifying factors. If you nominate someone else’s product, you’ll be asked to provide a contact at the company that produces the nominated product, for verification.
The top nominated products will be announced in September. The public will have a chance to vote on products, with the winner announced on October 8 at the 2024 Manufacturers’ Summit.
The Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest is hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Southwest Initiative Foundation is not affiliated with or responsible for the contest in any way. All contest-related inquiries should be directed to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Please refer to the official contest rules for complete details and eligibility requirements.