The Honda Talon, a side-by-side power sports vehicle, has earned the title of the Coolest Thing Made in SC after a two-month contest that yielded more than 218,000 votes from the public.
The Honda Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Value, which is manufactured by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville, received the most votes in the final round of voting in the 3rd annual Manufacturing Madness contest hosted by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and presented 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.”
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing began operations in Timmonsville, South Carolina in 1998. As the global source for all Honda side-by-side vehicles, the facility has produced 3.8 million power sports products over the last 25 years and employs 1,000 associates. The Honda Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Value is enjoyed by motocross and outdoor enthusiasts who want superior off-road performance and comfort.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster congratulated officials from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. South Carolina Manufacturing during an event announcing the winner at the Statehouse today and said the following:
“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.
All nominations and votes were cast at the contest website — scmanufacturingmadness.com — set up by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. Previous winners of the contest are Steel, made by Nucor Steel Berkeley, in 2022 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, made by Lockheed Martin, in 2023.
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.
James A. Richter
Director of Communications and Research
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
1340 Bull Street | Columbia, SC 29201
(O) 803.799.9695 (C) 803.528.1288
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