Mid-Michigan Company Named a Top 10 Coolest Thing in Michigan

Here in Flint, we’re known for manufacturing trucks and other GM vehicles. But when you look at Michigan as a whole, there’s a lot more being made right here in the Great Lakes State.

Michigan Makes More Than Just Cars and Trucks

There are thousands of Michigan companies making some pretty incredible products for all kinds of industries. That’s exactly why the Michigan Manufacturers Association created The Coolest Thing Made in Michigan program.

The competition launched in 2018 to showcase the products being made in Michigan and the people behind them. Since then, it has highlighted everything from medical devices and semiconductors to office furniture and products used in aerospace and defense. And this year, a familiar Mid-Michigan company is getting some major attention.

Amigo Mobility has made it to the Top 10!

If you’ve been grocery shopping, there’s a very good chance you’ve seen their products. The family-owned company, based in Bridgeport, makes the ValueShopper motorized shopping cart, which helps people with mobility challenges shop independently. The carts are used by thousands of stores across the country.

And here’s something pretty cool. WJRT reports that Amigo Mobility has been making its products in Michigan for more than five decades, with the ValueShopper manufactured in Bridgeport from metal fabrication all the way through assembly and shipping.

How to Vote for the Coolest Michigan-Made Product

Manufacturers submitted their nominations earlier this year, and the first round of voting narrowed the field to the Top 10. Now, Round 2 is underway.

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You can vote once a day through October 7, and this round will determine the Top 3 finalists and ultimately the winner. The 2026 winner will be announced November 12 at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

So, if you’ve ever seen one of those Amigo carts at your local grocery store, this is your chance to show some love for a product made right here in Mid-Michigan.

Michigan Manufacturing Industry Makes Over $100 Billion in Goods

And Amigo is just one example of what Michigan manufacturers are producing. The Michigan Manufacturers Association says the state’s manufacturing industry employs more than 630,000 people and produces about $102 billion in goods every year.

Michigan also has more than 4,000 companies involved in defense and aerospace, showing just how diverse the state’s manufacturing base has become.

Michigan Manufacturing Is a Huge Industry

From cars and trucks to medical equipment, technology and those motorized carts you see at the grocery store, there’s a whole lot more being made in Michigan than many of us probably realize.

And now, one of those Michigan-made products could take home the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Michigan.