F-16 Fighting Falcon wins 'Coolest Thing Made in SC' contest

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WPDE) — The coolest thing made in South Carolina has announced a winner after a two-month-long contest that yielded more than 220,000 votes!

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was the winner and is said to be one of the world's most iconic fighter jets, and was made by Lockheed Martin in Greenville.

“South Carolina is one of the most patriotic states in the nation and is proud to be the ‘Global Home of the F-16’,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a prime example of the world-class products we make in South Carolina. This year’s Manufacturing Madness contest featured hundreds of innovative and diverse products made every day by our talented workforce. Congratulations to Lockheed Martin and their 1,400 associates who proudly make the Coolest Thing Made in SC.”

According to the Coolest Thing Made in SC press release, the Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville supports many philanthropic initiatives that help strengthen the quality of life in the community including STEM education, military and veteran causes and community resilience.

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Governor Henry McMaster even congratulated the facility on their win by releasing the following statement:

“South Carolina has built a global reputation as a manufacturing state where companies can make innovative products and be successful. The impact this industry has through what it makes, the communities it supports and helps grow, truly makes South Carolina a better place to live. We’re proud of the thousands of manufacturing companies who call the Palmetto State home.”

The three other finalists in the competition included the Side-bySide Vehicles made by American Honda Motor Co., Inc, the Electrolux/Frigidaire single-Door Refrigerator and Freezer made by Electrolux Home Products Inc., and the 7HA.03 Gas Turbine made by GE Gas Power.

All nominations and votes were cast at the contest website set up by the SC Manufacturers Alliance.