After six weeks of competition, the Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC) has named the Atom Pop corn popper as the winner of the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas – People’s Choice Award. KMC Executive Director Brandie McPherson shared that the competition, launched in 2020, aims to highlight the manufacturing industry’s significant impact on the Kansas economy and showcase innovative products made within the state.

Sponsored by Forvis Mazars, this year’s contest began in August with 16 products in a bracket-style tournament. Two rounds of head-to-head matchups narrowed the field to a final four, with the Atom Pop taking the top spot. Made in Bushton by QuinCraft Production, the Atom Pop is a stovetop popcorn popper that produces 2 ½ quarts of popcorn. Its unique conical shape and aluminum bowl allow popcorn to cook without stirring, preventing burning and offering a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn.

The winner was announced during KMC’s Kansas Manufacturing Summit at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. Kansas has nearly 2,500 manufacturers employing over 160,000 people, with the industry producing more than $26.7 billion annually. Manufacturing represents 15% of the state’s total output, with over $9.93 billion in exports to countries like Canada, Mexico, and Japan.