2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned
Westbrook-based The Lee Company’s Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve—a critical component of space applications supporting GPS, global communications, and weather forecasting—is the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.
The announcement was made Oct. 1 at the Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit in Hartford.
The annual CBIA Foundation-led competition, now in its third year, celebrates Connecticut’s manufacturing industry and world-class workforce.
Featuring 16 Connecticut-made products, the single-elimination, bracket-style competition allowed residents to vote on their favorite product.
This year’s competition included products ranging from aerospace and defense technologies to medical devices, consumer goods, and food products, showcasing the diversity and innovation of Connecticut manufacturing.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut highlights the very best of manufacturing in our state—not only the incredible products that are made here, but the dedicated employees whose creativity and expertise bring them to life,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.
“The Lee Company’s Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve is a worthy champion that exemplifies that spirit of innovation and excellence.”
The Lee Company is a third-generation manufacturer founded in Connecticut in 1948.
Today, the company is a global leader in miniature precision fluid control products serving industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, diagnostics, and medical technology.
The satellite propellant isolation valve is designed for specific space and satellite applications supporting GPS, global communications, and weather forecasting.
“Being recognized as the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut is an incredible honor for everyone at The Lee Company,” said company president and CEO Marietta Lee.
“Our team takes immense pride in creating precision components that quietly power technologies people rely on every day—from medical devices to airplanes to satellites—and receiving this recognition from our home state means the world to us.”
More than 30,000 votes were cast throughout the competition as The Lee Company outlasted the Waterbury Button Company’s Santa Claus Brass Button to capture the title.
“It’s fitting that this competition came down to these two incredible products—one that showcases high-tech precision manufacturing that is literally out-of-this-world and the other that highlights a centuries-old tradition of hand-crafted excellence,” DiPentima said.
“For a team of fewer than 40 people, making it to the finals was a proud moment to shine light on the craftsmanship and legacy we have been carrying forward since 1812,” said Waterbury Button Company president David Fraser.
“The energy it brought from the community to our shop floor was great to see.
“Congratulations to The Lee Company and to every company that took part in this fun competition.”
Celebrating Manufacturing
The competition was presented by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with the business growth consulting firm CONNSTEP.
“Congratulations to The Lee Company and their Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve on being named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.
“This product is a remarkable example of how Connecticut innovation can have an impact far beyond our state.
“CONNSTEP is proud to be part of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition and to help celebrate the incredible people, products, and companies that make our state’s manufacturing community so special.”
The products in the competition were chosen from nominations submitted by the public and business leaders.
Nominations for next year’s competition are open now.
The products featured in the 2026 Coolest Things Made in Connecticut will be celebrated in a new exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center scheduled to open Nov. 5.
The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity is a 501(c)(3) organization created to address the evolving needs of Connecticut’s economy. The foundation’s primary goal is charting a course for sustained economic growth that drives further predictability and greater opportunity for all Connecticut residents. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).
The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge is made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, ASG Information Technologies, Medtronic, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, and Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense.
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