Celebrating the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa

Innovation in Iowa manufacturing doesn't always look the way people expect it to. Sometimes it's advanced technology. Sometimes it's a product found on jobsites, in homes, on farms or in businesses across the country. But every great product has one thing in common: it starts with Iowa ingenuity.

Three years ago, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry launched the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition to celebrate the incredible products designed, engineered and manufactured across our state. What began as a fun way to showcase Iowa manufacturing has quickly become one of ABI's most anticipated annual traditions.

This year, more than 60 products from 51 Iowa communities were nominated for the competition. Thousands of votes were cast as Iowans rallied behind their favorite products and the companies that make them. The contest sparked excitement in workplaces, communities and across social media while helping tell the story of Iowa manufacturing to audiences throughout the state.

More importantly, the competition highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in Iowa's economy. Manufacturers employ hundreds of thousands of Iowans, drive innovation, strengthen communities and create products that make an impact around the world.

After weeks of voting, the field narrowed to four outstanding finalists. Each product represents a unique part of Iowa's manufacturing story.

ABI extends its sincere appreciation to Nicolet National Bank, presenting sponsor of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition, for its support in celebrating Iowa's manufacturers and the products that make our state proud.

Meet the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Top 4 finalists:

Mi-T-M ePowerStation Mi-T-M | Peosta
Designed for power wherever traditional generators fall short, the ePowerStation is a high-capacity, eco-friendly, and durable energy solution built for real-world demands. From food trucks and outdoor events to construction sites, it delivers reliable, portable power without relying on gas.

With a modular design, users can select between two base models — a 5.0kW battery with a 3,000-watt inverter or a 7.0kW battery with a 6,000-watt inverter — and pair it with interchangeable eBox configurations to match specific job requirements. The result is a fully customizable power system built for flexibility and performance.

The ePowerStation also features fast, versatile charging, including the ability to recharge while in use for uninterrupted operation. Its advanced lithium-ion battery system is backed by an 8-year warranty, delivering dependable, long-term performance when it matters most.

Ironclad Tornado Shelter & Gun Safe Ironclad Shelter Solutions | Earlham

Built with American steel right here in Iowa, Ironclad storm shelters offer unmatched strength and reliability. They provide 100% customizable designs tailored to your specific requirements, with a versatile installation process that only requires 3.5 inches of concrete. Each unit is powder-coated for maximum durability, ensuring your family stays safe in a shelter that complements your property.

The storm shelter is designed with user-friendly components that prioritize safety and durability. It features a high-quality stainless steel latch pin system that engages all 3 latch pins simultaneously, enhancing strength and safety. It exceeds industry standards for wedge anchors, providing a secure hold to the concrete for maximum stability.\

Pella Steady Set™ Pella Corporation | Pella
The Pella Steady Set Interior Installation System is the industry's first installer-inspired window system designed for interior installation of new construction windows. Developed after hundreds of hours of field research, Steady Set empowers a single installer to work entirely from inside the home — eliminating dangerous ladder work and the need for a two-person crew. Steady Set is 3.15x faster than standard installations, with 64% of the process completed from the interior, reducing outdoor exposure by up to 72%. Pre-attached components make it easy to learn and deliver consistent, high-quality results — reducing callbacks for builders and homeowners alike. As the construction industry faces a skilled labor shortage and record home demand, Steady Set delivers a safer, faster, more efficient solution. Available on select Pella Reserve and Pella Lifestyle Series windows.

Weiler D1075 Blasthole Drill Weiler | Knoxville
Based in Knoxville, Weiler designs and manufactures the D1075 Down the Hole (DTH) Surface Mining Blasthole Drill, transforming raw steel to final product in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The D1075 is capable of drilling holes up to 8” in diameter at a rate of over 100’ an hour to a maximum depth of 147’ in hard rock. A 540 horsepower engine and 1000 CFM air compressor provide maximum drilling efficiency. The 60,000 pound drill rig is built with robust components to withstand the harsh conditions found in mines and quarries while the climate-controlled cab provides a quiet and comfortable operating environment. Weilern in-house software is designed around the operator which makes it easy to learn and simplifies operation while increasing productivity. The Weiler D1075 Down the Hole Rock Drill is utilized by contractors in mining, quarry and construction applications across North America and around the world.