The 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut is out of this world.
The second annual competition to determine the coolest thing made here was developed by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association as a way to celebrate the state’s manufacturing industry.
This year, 16 Connecticut-made products participated in the single-elimination, bracket-style competition that allowed state residents to vote on their favorite product.
On Thursday, during its annual Manufacturing Summit held at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, CBIA announced the 2025 winner — the frangible joint, a key component in NASA space missions, manufactured by Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense in Simsbury.
After more than 35,000 votes were cast, the joint narrowly edged out Munson’s Chocolate’s Pecan Caramel Patty by fewer than 40 votes to capture the title.
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.
Ensign-Bickford interim President Edris Raji said the honor “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.”
The frangible joint succeeds the winner of the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in CT in 2024, the Virginia Class submarine manufactured by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton.
