2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned

Simsbury-based Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense’s Frangible Joint—a key component in NASA space missions—is the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut for 2025.

The announcement was made before a crowd of over 600 attendees at the Oct. 2 Made in Connecticut: 2025 Manufacturing Summit in Plantsville. 

This is the second year for the competition, which celebrates the state’s manufacturing industry and its world-class workforce.

Featuring 16 Connecticut-made products, the single-elimination, bracket-style competition allowed residents to vote on their favorite product. 

The Frangible Joint is an essential component for space exploration and national defense.

Close Competition

The joint attaches the lower stage of a rocket to the upper stage and uses an explosive charge to precisely separate the two halves of the rocket after launch.

“We are honored that the Frangible Joint has been recognized as one of the Coolest Things Made in Connecticut,” said Ensign-Bickford interim president Edris Raji.

“This recognition highlights not only the innovation and quality behind our product, but also the dedication and expertise of the EBAD team who make it possible every day.

“Participating in this competition has been an exciting opportunity to showcase Connecticut manufacturing at its best, and we are proud to represent the strength and creativity of our state’s manufacturing community.”

After more than 35,000 votes were cast, Ensign-Bickford narrowly edged out Munson’s Chocolates’ Pecan Caramel Patty by less than 40 votes to capture the title.

“This competition was filled with so many impressive products and companies which makes this recognition even more meaningful,” said Munson’s Chocolates president Karen Munson.

“Being a finalist for one of the Coolest Things Made in Connecticut is a proud moment for our company and a testament to the dedication of our employees.

“It reflects their passion, craftsmanship, and commitment to our legacy brand which we have been cultivating over the past 79 years.”

Celebrating Manufacturing

The competition was presented by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with the business growth consulting firm CONNSTEP.

“With the remarkable diversity of manufacturing in Connecticut, it’s fitting that this competition came down to these two incredible products—one that showcases Connecticut’s precision manufacturing legacy and the other that highlights the state’s tradition of hand-crafted excellence,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“Ensign-Bickford’s Frangible Joint is a worthy champion reflecting the company’s rich history of innovation and excellence.”

“The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition is about more than a single winner,” added CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.

“It’s a victory for our residents who gain a new understanding of the incredible range of products made right here in our state, and an appreciation for the talent, innovation, and vibrant manufacturing community that powers Connecticut every day.”

The products in the competition were chosen from nominations submitted by the public and business leaders.

Nominations for next year’s competition are open through the end of December.

The products featured in the 2025 Coolest Things Made in Connecticut will be celebrated in a new exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center scheduled to open later this month.

---

The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge was made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Image Marketing, Medtronic, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, and FORGE. Thank you to our exclusive media partner, WTNH News 8.