How do you decide which locally made product rises above the rest in a state known for products ranging from medical devices to all-terrain vehicles and even SPAM? You let the people decide.
The MRZR, a versatile military vehicle built by Polaris in Roseau, Minn., was crowned the winner of the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” manufacturing competition on Oct. 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
Votes have been tallied and Polaris’ MRZR was announced Tuesday as the winner of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest, hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO.
“It has been incredible to watch (the MRZR) advance week after week and seeing it named the winner is a proud moment for all of us,” said a spokesperson for Polaris in a statement. “Being recognized as the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota’ is not just about the MRZR. It is about the people who build it, the mission it serves, and the pride we have in Minnesota manufacturing.”
Announced at the 2025 Manufacturers’ Summit, the MRZR outlasted the competition over the course of five weeks of matchups, which started with 64 products and drew tens of thousands of votes from across the state.
“This contest captured the imagination of Minnesotans across the state, shining a spotlight on the pride we share in our manufacturers and the incredible things they build,” said Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “Polaris is a spectacular reflection of that strength and ingenuity.”
About the winner
Built on a dedicated military line in Roseau, the MRZR is a versatile military vehicle with blackout lighting, collapsible roll cages for helicopter transport and an Arctic kit that can withstand -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
First launched in 2012, MRZRs have been used in every U.S. military branch and more than 50 allied forces worldwide.
A military version of Polaris’ RZR, the driving force behind the MRZR came from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as it was designed for U.S. Special Forces to navigate Afghanistan’s rugged terrain.
“The MRZR’s origin … speaks to its purpose and impact, making it a natural fit for this recognition,” Polaris said. “That kind of origin story, combined with the innovation and purpose behind it, made the MRZR a natural choice.”
Competition to return
Related Articles
Interest in women’s sports is growing. Here’s how some women-owned companies are responding
Government shutdown threatens to stall the recovery in the IPO market
Starbucks’ sweeping store closures aren’t a surprise. Here’s why
Wall Street edges back from its records after gold tops $4,000 per ounce
Toyota recalls nearly 400,000 Tundras and Sequoias due to malfunctioning rearview camera
If your favorite product didn’t win this year, don’t lose hope. The manufacturing competition will return next year to crown its third winner, the chamber announced.
“Manufacturing is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of Minnesota’s economy – employing more than 300,000 people and driving innovation across every corner of the state,” said Jennifer Byers, vice president of Grassroots and Chamber Relations at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in the release.
The diversity of Minnesota manufacturing is encapsulated in the competition’s first two winners: This year’s all-terrain military vehicle and last year’s Scotch Magic Tape from 3M Co.
Nominations for the third annual “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” competition are expected to open next summer.
Leave a Reply