'Huntsville's Hidden Gem: The Coolest Thing Made in Alabama'

The "coolest thing made in Alabama" for this year is a crucial missile defense part produced by Boeing in Huntsville.

The Manufacturer's Association of Alabama, which represents the state's manufacturing sector along with related industries, presented an accolade to the firm for their Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) seeker during the closing ceremony of their yearly Manufacturing Madness contest.

The PAC-3 seeker component allows the Patriot air defense system’s interceptors to identify, track and defeat threats, including hostile aircraft and ballistic and cruise missiles. Patriot is fielded by U.S. forces and global allies. Boeing produces the seekers as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin.

We're immensely proud to produce the PAC-3 seeker—the key element of the globe's leading air defense system—in Alabama," stated Jim Bryan, director of Boeing Integrated Air & Missile Defense. "Being acknowledged for this achievement is truly an honor, and we appreciate our skilled team in Huntsville who continually provide this life-saving technology for military personnel and civilians worldwide who depend on it.

Boeing has disclosed that they manufactured more than 500 PAC-3 missile interceptors in Huntsville last year. an all-time record The firm anticipates opening a 35,000-square-foot expansion Of its Huntsville facility this spring, which will allow for as much as a 30% boost in PAC-3 seeker manufacturing.

The prominent aerospace company's creation encountered strong rivalry for the title of "coolest item manufactured in Alabama." According to data from Manufacture Alabama, over 130,000 votes were submitted among 44 submissions spanning 10 different industrial categories. The remaining three contenders vying for the top spot included:

A.C. Legg’s Mix 10 Pork Sausage Seasoning, produced by A.C. Legg
ROHACELL®, produced by Evonik, is a stiff foam utilized as a central component in sandwich structures.
Tork Coreless High-Capacity Toilet Paper Roll White T7, produced by Essity Professional Hygiene

"This contest isn’t just about honoring remarkable goods produced in Alabama; it also highlights the individuals, businesses, and regions fostering advancement throughout our state," stated Jon Barganier, who serves as both the president and CEO of Manufacture Alabama, in a press statement.