Columbia, South Carolina – After a dynamic two-month challenge, gathering over 218,000 public votes, the Honda Talon has been crowned the Coolest Thing Made in SC. This prestigious accolade was clinched by the Honda Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Value, manufactured with care by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville. It triumphed in the final voting phase of the 3rd Manufacturing Madness contest, an event run by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and supported by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
“Congratulations to the team that produces the Honda Talon for earning the title of the Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “This recognition not only showcases one of South Carolina’s world-class companies but also celebrates our state’s robust manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”
Since its inception in 1998 in Timmonsville, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing has been a pivotal production hub for all Honda side-by-side vehicles. Over two and a half decades, the facility has rolled out 3.8 million power sports products and has grown to employ 1,000 associates. The Honda Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Value is particularly favored by motocross and outdoor adventure seekers for its unmatched off-road capabilities and comfort.
Governor Henry McMaster lauded the team from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing at a Statehouse event where the winner was announced.
“South Carolina has established itself as a manufacturing powerhouse, fostering an environment where companies thrive and make innovative products. The impact of this industry, evident in its tremendous investments and job creation, undeniably enhances the quality of life in South Carolina. We take great pride in what we make and the manufacturers who call the Palmetto State home.”
The competition’s other three finalists included:
- High Noon Sun Sips, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Fort Lawn
- Fire Sprinklers, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Liberty
- Signa Hero MRI Scanner, GE HealthCare, Florence
The four products advanced to the final round after an initial field of 166 products were nominated. The top 16 vote-getters from the list of nominations advanced to the Manufacturing Madness bracket. From there, weekly voting trimmed the field in half until voters selected the winner from the final group of four. More than 218,000 votes were cast during the duration of the contest.
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Votes were cast online via the contest’s official platform, scmanufacturingmadness.com, organized by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. This contest has previously celebrated creations like Nucor Steel Berkeley’s Steel in 2022 and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon in 2023.
