YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Sixteen products manufactured across southwest Missouri were selected for inclusion in Springfield Business Journal’s fourth annual Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks awards.
The finalists reflect the diversity of the local manufacturing community. Statewide, there are more than 7,600 manufacturing businesses employing more than 282,000 people, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
A selection committee evaluated the nominations based on the uniqueness, innovation and economic impact of their products.
The 2025 companies and products follow:
• Amprod LLC, Fort shelter
• Askinosie Chocolate LLC, Dark Chocolate & Red Raspberry Collaboration Bar
• Buckhorn Inc., CenterFlow containers
• Evans Food Co., Garlic Chimichurri
• Gold Mechanical Inc., life support system
• Holloway America, stainless steel pressure vessel
• Jordan Essentials, Sleep Stick
• KMedPro LLC, medical device pouches
• L&W Industries LLC, wired bungalow
• Messiah Locomotive Services LLC, locomotive wheelsets
• Outdoor Wonders LLC, Triple Glider poly furniture
• Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., Coca-Cola
• Positronic Industries Inc., Mach-D connector
• Springfield Marine Co., electric table pedestal
• Tunetti Natural Soap, Harvest Scrub bar soap
• Vermillion Co. Inc., hardwood flooring
In addition to company awards, Tom Halcomb, plant manager for American Products and DustShield at Amprod LLC, was selected as Plant Manager of the Year. Jeff Bigley, vice president of operations for Amprod LLC, was selected for the Excellence in Manufacturing award.
Public voting to select the Voters’ Choice Award is live through Feb. 14 at SBJ.net/CoolestThings. The Feb. 10 edition of SBJ will feature profiles on the products.
The Best in Show Award, selected by event attendees, will be determined at an awards ceremony on Feb. 24, which will be held in conjunction with the Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference hosted by the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. The selection committee’s special award will also be announced at the event.
Photos of the products are below.
Amprod LLC,
Fort ShelterWe are building it right here in the Ozarks, but it can go all over thew world to support infrastructure and critical communications.
Askinosie Chocolate LLC
Dark Chocolate & Red Raspberry Collaboration BarThis award-winning bar has a global reach and appeal that sends it flying off shelves.
Buckhorn Inc.
CenterFlow containersThe reusable, efficient and versatile CenterFlow container is a top choice by farmers for transporting and dispensing seed.
Evans Food Co.
Garlic ChimichurriThis product is sold in some of the top restaurants in the world and used by some of the best chefs on the planet.
Gold Mechanical Inc.
Life Support SystemLife support systems, a fusion of art and science, keep animals safe and healthy thanks to locally designed, manufactured, installed and maintained systems.
Holloway America
Stainless Steel Pressure VesselHolloway America’s high-purity pressure vessels play an unseen but vital role in improving the health and well-being of countless individuals.
Jordan Essentials
Sleep StickThis product is a nondrug way to help people relax and sleep using aromatherapy and magnesium.
KMedPro LLC
Medical Device PouchesMade by Ukrainian and Romanian immigrants in the Ozarks, this product is utilized by medical institutions across the country.
L&W Industries LLC
Wired BungalowThe wired bungalow with all the train control equipment is a critical part of North America’s rail infrastructure.
Messiah Locomotive Services LLC
Locomotive WheelsetsWhen you see trains, you never think about the parts that go into making that rail car or locomotive move down the track.
Outdoor Wonders LLC.
Triple Glider poly furnitureThe Ozarks region has a proud tradition of furniture making, but this product offers a twist by using high-density, durable polyethylene lumber – the plastic recycled from milk jugs.
Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.
Coca-Cola by OzarksIt’s one of the most recognized brands on the globe, and it continues to be produced in Springfield, Missouri, and refreshes the Ozarks every day.
Positronic Industries Inc.
Mach-D ConnectorThe Mach-D connector provides precise and dependable connections that carry information or power for mission-critical applications that include air travel, national defense and myriad other industries.
Springfield Marine Co.
Electric Table PedestalIt’ll convert the whole front of a boat from a fishing station that you could stand on to a lounge or dinette with the touch of a button.
Tunetti Natural Soap
Harvest Scrub Bar SoapNot only is it locally made, it’s locally sourced, with many materials gathered right in the Ozarks by people who live here.
Vermillion Company. Inc.
Hardwood FlooringThe hardwoods come from the Ozarks and are known for their superior beauty and strength. Trees chosen are at the end of their life, ready to start their century of service as a floor.
Vote for your favorite product among the 2025 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks. The product with the most votes by Feb. 14 will win the Voters' Choice Award.
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