WWe knew it all along but it’s official, The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois is officially from DownersGrove!

I am beyond proud to announce that Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) has been crowned the 2026 Champion of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association #MakersMadness!

Their NASA Standard Initiator (NSI)—the technology currently powering the Orion capsule 251,000 miles from Earth—has officially taken the top spot in the state.

This victory is a testament to the world-class innovation happening in our backyard and the incredible strength of our community. As Steven Hill, President of CED, put it:

“They told us the vote wasn’t close and we knew it was an all community win!”

Thank you to everyone who voted every single day. This isn’t just a win for Chemring; it’s a win for the Downers Grove economy, our workforce, and our reputation as a hub for global aerospace excellence.

Congratulations to the entire team at Chemring Energetic Devices on this well-deserved honor!