Medford’s Tucker Sno-Cat takes top prize for coolest product made in Oregon

OREGON (KTVZ) -- Tucker Sno-Cat's Model 1600 Over-Snow Vehicle has been named the coolest product made in Oregon for 2026. The Medford-built vehicle won Oregon Business & Industry's fourth annual competition, topping Tillamook's sharp cheddar cheese in the final round of public voting.

The winning tracked vehicle is designed to carry up to 15 passengers inside an insulated, heated cab. It is used for a variety of tasks, including sightseeing tours and utility repair operations in winter environments.

The contest results were revealed at the conclusion of the Vision Oregon Event. Last year's winner, Bullseye Glass, produced the award presented to Sno-Cat for this year's victory.

The competition began in May, when Oregonians submitted product nominations over a three-month period. A selection panel narrowed the entries to 16 finalists and public bracket-style voting began in September to determine the winner.

Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO of OBI, congratulated the winner and praised the participants across the state. “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 finalists represented a broad mix of industries across Oregon. Other contenders included Aerostar's Zero Pressure Balloons from Tillamook, Crater Lake Spirits' Hazelnut Espresso Vodka from Bend, Pacific's Angel Soft Toilet Paper from Wauna, Lamb Weston's Waffle Fries from Boardman and Work Sharp's RMX Reverse Tanto Folding Knife from Ashland.

The contest coincided with national Manufacturing Month in October. To mark the occasion, OBI held its fifth annual Manufacturing and Innovation Roadshow, a one-day tour that visited four manufacturers in the Portland area as well as Portland International Airport.

OBI serves as a statewide business association and chamber of commerce representing companies across all 36 Oregon counties. The organization serves as the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation, representing 1,600 member companies that employ more than 250,000 Oregonians.

Nominations for the fifth annual competition are scheduled to open in spring 2027.