There’s a small dispute about when the famed ‘Trenton Makes, The World Takes’ sign appeared.
Some point to 1917, when a sign appeared on a previous bridge; others note 1935, when it appeared in its current form on the Lower Trenton Bridge.
This much holds true: The sign still represents the bigger-than-you-realize manufacturing sector in the state.
Today, there are more than 9,000 manufacturers currently operating in New Jersey, employing approximately 236,000 people, and accounting for $54 billion in GDP, according to statistics from the N.J. Department of Labor.
What are they making? Glad you asked.
Withum, a longtime supporter of the sector, will serve as the presenting sponsor for the second annual ‘Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey’ contest.
The competition, powered by the N.J. Manufacturing Extension Program and the N.J. Business & Industry Association, invites makers of New Jersey-made products to be judged on their creativity, impact or craftsmanship.
Last year, nearly 40,000 votes were cast online over four rounds of competition before New Jersey company Geared Power won for its innovative BioGuard UVC mask.
Nominations for this year’s competition are being accepted from now until March 20.
The competition is an outreach from Manufacturing Counts, an initiative run jointly by NJMEP and NJBIA.
“We are thrilled to bring the momentum of this competition back for a second year and excited to welcome Withum as our presenting sponsor this year,” BIA CEO Michele Siekerka said. “In seeking out the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey, we are bringing well-deserved attention to the many companies and their creations that make the Garden State one of the greatest manufacturing states in the nation.”
MEP CEO Pete Connolly agreed.
“It is our honor to shine a spotlight on the products that inspire innovation, power our industries and help improve our everyday life here in New Jersey,” he said. “We look forward to repeating the tremendous engagement we saw in the inaugural year of this competition to bring attention to our deserving candidates.”
Last year, four candidates rose to the top.
BioGuard UVC is a PPE mask that uses UVC light in a patented helical air chamber to neutralize pathogens at their source — exhaled breath — without mechanical filters, which ensures effortless breathing.
Three others made the Final Four:
Thermit Welding Kit – Thermit welding kits are used to weld railroad tracks and are an essential part of railroad infrastructure. Made in Ocean County by Orgo-Thermit, Inc.
Navy Parka Liner – The Navy Fleece is a high-performance, stand-alone outer garment worn by every sailor in the U.S. Navy and made exclusively by people who are blind. Made in Camden County by Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc.
Emergency Evacuation Slides – This manufacturer saves lives. In the event of an aircraft incident, evacuation slides inflate rapidly, bringing passengers to safety even under the most hazardous conditions. Made by Safran Aerosystems Evacuation in Monmouth County.
