Coolest Things Made in North Dakota Announced

John Deere's StarFire 7500 Receiver wins inaugural statewide competition

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Greater North Dakota Chamber has chosen the StarFire 7500 Receiver, manufactured by John Deere, as the winner of the inaugural Coolest Things Made in North Dakota contest. The statewide competition celebrates innovation, advanced manufacturing and products proudly made in the state.

Why it matters

The Coolest Things Made contest was launched to highlight the depth and diversity of North Dakota's manufacturing sector, showcasing the state's capabilities in innovation and advanced production.

The details

Following weeks of head-to-head matchups, four products advanced to the final round of the competition: the StarFire 7500 Receiver from John Deere, Brioche Cinnamon Roll Dough from Baker Boy, Lithium-Ion Batteries from Badland Batteries, and Bobcat Compact Loaders from Bobcat Company. The StarFire 7500 Receiver, designed and manufactured by John Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group and assembled in Fargo, serves as the foundation of John Deere's precision guidance system for agriculture, construction and road building.

  • The Coolest Things Made contest was launched in 2026 to highlight North Dakota's manufacturing sector.
  • The final round of the competition took place in early 2026.

The players

Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC)

The statewide business association that organized the Coolest Things Made in North Dakota contest.

John Deere

An American company that manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment. The company's Intelligent Solutions Group designed and manufactured the winning StarFire 7500 Receiver product.

Baker Boy

A North Dakota-based bakery company that produces the Brioche Cinnamon Roll Dough, one of the finalists in the Coolest Things Made competition.

Badland Batteries

A North Dakota company that manufactures lithium-ion batteries, one of the finalists in the Coolest Things Made competition.

Bobcat Company

An American company that manufactures compact construction equipment, including the Bobcat Compact Loaders that were a finalist in the Coolest Things Made competition.

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The takeaway

North Dakota's manufacturing capabilities extend beyond traditional industries, showcasing the state's innovation and advanced production in areas like precision agriculture, construction equipment, and energy storage. The Coolest Things Made contest highlights the diversity and quality of products made in the state.