An antigravity suit that provides critical life support for fighter aircraft pilots was announced today as the winner of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition, presented by Withum and powered by NJBIA and NJMEP.

The CSU B/P Anti-G Suit, which inflates under extreme G-forces to maintain circulation and prevent pilots from losing consciousness, is made by Switlik Survival Products in Trenton.

More than 75,000 votes were cast over four rounds of the competition, with Switlik Survival Products receiving the most tallies among four finalists. A total of 72 products entered the competition.

The company, which manufactures high quality safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military markets, was announced as the winner of the competition as part of NJBIA’s State of the State of Manufacturing event at the Statehouse.

“This means everything to us,” said Vanessa Cruz, HR manager at Switlik Survival Products. “It’s another great recognition of how Trenton makes and the world takes. Manufacturing is still alive and pumping here in New Jersey.

The State of the State of Manufacturing event included a Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hearing, where state manufacturers made recommendations to New Jersey Chief Operating Officer Kelly Doucette about how the Sherrill administration can improve regulations and red tape in the Garden State.

The announcement of the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey was made before an overflow crowd in Committee Room 16.

“We had so many amazing products entered to be the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey and to have more than 75,000 votes cast – nearly double from our inaugural competition – reaffirmed our love and appreciation of manufacturing in New Jersey,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

“Congratulations to Switlik Survival Products for its innovative and winning product. Only in New Jersey can an antigravity suit be so uplifting.”

“We love seeing the growth of this initiative over the past two years in showcasing the incredible innovation and craftsmanship found within New Jersey’s manufacturing sector,” said NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly. “Congratulations to Switlik Survival and all the great manufacturers who took part in the competition.”

“The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey initiative is more than a celebration of great products,” said Matt Walsh, Partner, Practice Leader – Industrial and Consumer Products, Withum. “It’s a reminder of the strength in numbers that defines our state’s manufacturing sector.

“When we highlight the ingenuity happening in our own backyard, we elevate the entire ecosystem. Withum was proud to support NJBIA’s efforts to shine a spotlight on the manufacturers who continue to drive innovation, create opportunity and shape the future of New Jersey’s economy.”

For winning, Switlik Survival Products will receive coverage about the company and product in upcoming issues of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters magazine.

“If you've ever seen the movie Top Gun, you have probably seen how antigravity suits work,” Cruz said about the winning product.

“When pilots go up and G-forces push blood downward. Our suits apply mechanical compression to the lower body to allow those pilots to get that height in the air.”

Other New Jersey-made products that reached the final four of the competition, and who were also being acknowledged at the Statehouse today, included:

• Vet-Sonotron: Non-invasive veterinary therapy device for treatment of musculoskeletal pain conditions in dogs and horses, without the use of drugs and with no side effects. Made in Bergen County by ADM Tronics. vet-sonotron.com.

• Thermit Welding Kit: Thermit welding kits are used to weld pieces of rail together to create continuously welded rail. Made in Ocean County by Orgo-Thermit, Inc. orgothermit.com

• Superconductor: Superconductors, when cooled to 4.2 Kelvin (-452°F), carry electricity losslessly, enabling persistent high magnetic fields necessary for MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and fusion machines. Made in Middlesex County by BrukerEST. bruker.com

The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition invites makers of New Jersey-made products to be judged on their creativity, impact, or craftsmanship.

Manufacturing Counts, a partnership between NJBIA and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), hosts the competition to promote awareness of New Jersey manufacturing.