Medford’s own Tucker Sno‑Cat celebrated a major victory this week when its Model 1600 Over‑Snow Vehicle was named Oregon’s coolest product for 2026. The award, presented by Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), recognized the tracked vehicle’s versatility and the skilled craftsmanship of the Medford plant.
Public voting lifts a local manufacturer
The competition, part of the annual Vision Oregon Event, invited Oregonians to nominate products from across the state. After a three‑month nomination period, a panel narrowed the field to 16 finalists representing a wide range of industries, from Tillamook’s sharp cheddar cheese to Bend’s Hazelnut Espresso Vodka.
Public bracket‑style voting began in September, and the Model 1600 emerged as the clear favorite, ultimately surpassing the cheese entry in the final round. The vehicle’s ability to transport up to 15 passengers in an insulated, heated cab makes it ideal for winter sightseeing tours and utility‑repair work, underscoring the practical value of Oregon‑made engineering.
OBI praises the state’s manufacturing diversity
Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO of OBI, congratulated the winner and highlighted the breadth of Oregon’s manufacturing sector. “I’d like to congratulate Sno‑Cat on a well‑deserved win and thank the rest of this year’s 16 finalists for participating,” Wilhelms said. “These products are manufactured in almost every part of the state, from Ashland to Boardman, and they represent the incredible diversity of Oregon’s manufacturing sector. Oregon continues to make important – and incredibly cool – things.”
The award ceremony also featured a presentation from Bullseye Glass, the 2025 winner, which crafted the trophy for this year’s champion.
Manufacturing Month and OBI’s roadshow
The competition coincided with national Manufacturing Month in October. To celebrate, OBI hosted its fifth annual Manufacturing and Innovation Roadshow, a one‑day tour that visited four manufacturers in the Portland area and the Portland International Airport. The roadshow showcased the latest advances in production technology and highlighted job‑creating opportunities throughout the state.
OBI serves as Oregon’s statewide business association and chamber of commerce, representing 1,600 member companies that employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. The organization is the state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation.
Looking ahead
Nomination submissions for the next competition are slated to open in spring 2027, inviting Oregonians to put forward the next wave of innovative products that keep the state’s manufacturing reputation strong.
For Medford residents, the win reinforces the city’s role as a hub of engineering talent and a contributor to Oregon’s broader economic health. The Tucker Sno‑Cat Model 1600 stands as a testament to local ingenuity and the enduring value of American‑made goods.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
