SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — On Wednesday Gov. JB Pritzker announced the winner of this year's Makers Madness, a competition for who made the coolest thing in Illinois.
The winner was MTH Pump, who made a new firefighter helicopter water pump. Currently, a water pump takes over a minute to fill up. This new invention by MTH Pump refills in 30 seconds, allowing the helicopter and firefighters to drop more water and potentially stop fires a lot quicker.
President of MTH Pump Tim Tremain said he's thankful he and his small team join a prestigious group of past winners, including Caterpillar and Rivian.
"But as the second smallest company to win the makers madness contest, I would like to dedicate this award for all the small manufacturers of Illinois," Tremain said. "Who do their part to produce some of the best, the most creative products the world has to offer."
The event is hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers Association, who every year announce the winner inside the Governor's mansion. Gov. Pritzker said thanks to the state's policies in education, from STEM to community colleges, have turned Illinois into a manufacturing friendly state.
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