2026 State-of-the-State of Manufacturing: NJ Manufacturers Make Their Voices Heard in Trenton
Manufacturing Matters. And on May 21st, New Jersey’s manufacturing community proved it.
In a year defined by budget uncertainty and funding questions that have left many industries holding their breath, the 2026 State-of-the-State of Manufacturing arrived at exactly the right moment. Hosted by NJMEP and the NJBIA through their Manufacturing Counts partnership, the annual event brought together manufacturers, industry leaders, and policymakers at the New Jersey State House in Trenton for a day of advocacy and engagement. We aimed to send a clear, unified statement that manufacturing must remain a priority in this state.
A Day That Started with Purpose
The morning kicked off with a light breakfast and welcome remarks from NJBIA CEO Michele Siekerka and NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly — setting the tone for a day built on collaboration and conviction. From there, manufacturers and industry partners dispersed throughout the State House to observe committee hearings firsthand, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process that shapes the business environment they operate in every day. It was an eye-opening experience and a reminder of just how important it is for our industry to have a seat at the table.
The Manufacturing Caucus: Cutting Through the Red Tape
The day’s centerpiece was the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus Meeting — a dynamic, candid conversation between manufacturers and some of the state’s most important voices in government and business.
The panel featured Siekerka and Connolly alongside NJ Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette, Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, and Withum Partner Jim Hannan. Together, they addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing NJ manufacturers today: funding and budget uncertainty, workforce development, and the permitting hurdles that continue to slow growth and investment.
But the real power of the caucus was the conversation it sparked. Manufacturers in attendance had the floor to voice their concerns directly to decision-makers and they didn’t hold back. The exchange was exactly what this event is designed for: ensuring the people who build things in New Jersey are heard by the people who shape the policies that affect them.
NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly captured it well: “The State-of-the-State is about making sure manufacturers have a direct line to the people shaping policy in New Jersey. When manufacturers take the time to share their experiences and concerns, it leads to better conversations and, ultimately, better outcomes for our industry. Today’s turnout showed that our manufacturing community is committed to helping shape the future of this state.”
NJBIA CEO Michele Siekerka echoed that sentiment: “Manufacturing remains one of New Jersey’s most important economic drivers, and it’s critical that the voices of manufacturers are heard as decisions are made in Trenton. Events like this create meaningful opportunities for businesses and policymakers to engage in honest dialogue about the issues impacting them the most. The stronger that connection is, the stronger New Jersey’s manufacturing industry will be.”
Coolest Thing MADE in NJ: Congratulations to Switlik Survival Products!
No State-of-the-State would be complete without celebrating the ingenuity of New Jersey’s manufacturers, and this year’s second annual Coolest Thing MADE in NJ competition, presented by Withum, delivered in a big way.
With more than 75,000 votes cast, the competition once again showcased the extraordinary products being made right here in the Garden State. We are thrilled to announce that Switlik Survival Products took home the top honor for their incredible Anti-Gravity Suit.
Designed to protect military aviators during high-performance flight, the Anti-Gravity Suit connects directly to an aircraft and automatically inflates during extreme G-force maneuvers, applying pressure to maintain circulation and help prevent pilots from losing consciousness. It’s a remarkable example of a mission-critical product being manufactured right here in the Garden State and a testament to the kind of innovation that makes New Jersey manufacturing something to be genuinely proud of.
Congratulations are also in order for our finalists, whose products were equally remarkable:
- ADM Tronics — Vet-Sonotron
- Orgo-Thermit, Inc. — Thermit Welding Kit
- BrukerEST — Superconductor
The caliber of this year’s entries reflects the depth and diversity of talent across our manufacturing sector. Each of these companies represents what’s possible when New Jersey manufacturers are given the resources, support, and recognition they deserve.
Thank You NJ Manufacturers: Your Voice Matters
Events like the State-of-the-State of Manufacturing don’t happen without the people who show up and participate. To every manufacturer, industry partner, and advocate who joined us in Trenton — thank you. Your presence sent a message. Your questions and concerns moved the conversation forward. And your continued engagement is what keeps manufacturing at the forefront of New Jersey’s economic agenda.
With funding and budget discussions still in flux, the work of advocating for this industry is far from over. But days like May 21st remind us why we do it and why it matters.
Manufacturing matters in New Jersey. And together, we’ll make sure Trenton never forgets it.