INDIANAPOLIS — Janus Motorcycles of Goshen is the first-ever winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Indiana contest from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The manufacturer bested runner-up Hoosier Bat Co. of Valparaiso and 63 other competitors from around the state in the bracket-style tournament.
Over the last five weeks, the public cast votes for well-known manufacturers and budding entrepreneurs – and a wide variety of products they make. From automobiles to food and drink to a polygraph instrument to fire shelters to refrigeration for the COVID-19 vaccine and much more.
The top makers were honored tonight at the Indiana Chamber’s annual Chamber Day Event at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis Feb. 15.
“This contest featured some of the coolest, most incredible things made anywhere,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “We are very pleased with the interest level for the first year – both the companies that entered and the thousands of votes cast each round. It’s been a great way to celebrate the state’s rich manufacturing history. We especially congratulate our champion and runner-up; their products epitomize quality craftsmanship and capture the imagination of their customers.”
Janus Motorcycles manufactures small displacement motorcycles in a vintage style. The company was co-founded in 2011 by Richard Worsham. The mission at Janus Motorcycles is to make simple, beautiful machines that are a joy to own and ride – and safe and reliable. Janus Motorcycles are built to order and sell directly to riders in all 50 states.
Runner-up, the Hoosier Bat Co., makes wood baseball bats for youth leagues all the way up to Major League Baseball players. Their specialty bat is a combination of three pieces of wood joined together.
The Final Four of the 2022 Coolest Thing Made in Indiana competition, sponsored by MCM CPAs & Advisors, also featured Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions for pet grooming and veterinary clinics from Granger and bourbon maker Old 55 Distillery from Newtown.
An online randomizer generated the initial matchups. Entry in the competition was free. To participate, a company did not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered had to be manufactured in the state.