JACKSON – The winner of the inaugural Mississippi Makers’ Challenge Sponsored by Hancock Whitney is the TM 1000 from Taylor Power Systems in Clinton. The Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA) presented the award Wednesday, April 13 during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson.
The TM 1000 is a container-based portable generator that is powered by twin 500 kW tier 4 final Volvo Penta engines. The two engines are paralleled for the total 1000 kW but can be separated for redundant 500 kW use. It is utilized by equipment rental companies, first responders, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and any other business that needs a considerable volume of immediate power.
In the three-round bracketed competition, the TM 1000 received 25,524 of the 121,469 votes. Including the Initial Voting Round, there were 134,441 votes cast over the course of the contest. The other finalists are listed below:
Cacklebee Farms (Forkville) – TWISTER and BANTAM Fence Tool
Legendary Lighting (Flowood) – Atlas Gas Lantern
McNeely Plastics (Clinton) – Naked Truth Bag
Governor Tate Reeves was a guest speaker for the event. During his speech, he praised the state’s manufacturers, the finalists in the contest, and the variety of products made in Mississippi.
“We are overwhelmed by the support we received in the inaugural year of this competition,” said MMA President & CEO John McKay. “Today we were able to celebrate all of the great manufacturers from around the state and the unbelievable dedication and skill that goes into making all of their incredible products.”
James Kaigler, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Hancock Whitney, said the bank is proud to be the title sponsor of this event.
“The Mississippi Makers’ Challenge sponsorship gave us the opportunity to promote the businesses that call Mississippi home,” said Kaigler. “It was a privilege to join this celebration of Mississippi’s significant economic impact and rich, diverse culture. We look forward to being a part of this contest in years to come.”
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Media Links
Photo album from luncheon
Graphic of final contest bracket
Link to images and descriptions of products in Round of 4
Mississippi Manufacturing Statistics
-Manufacturing employs 145,000 Mississippians, which accounts for 12.6 percent of the state’s non-farming workforce and is the third-largest employer
-Manufacturing accounted for $15.98 billion in real added value to the state’s Gross Domestic Product in 2020, which was the highest among private employers
-Mississippi offers a robust community college system with 15 institutions that prepare young adults for skills positions that can save students tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and student loans
-The average manufacturing salary in Mississippi is $63,226.12