McNeilus Volterra Named 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce the McNeilus Volterra ZSL, manufactured in Murfreesboro, TN, as the winner of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition.

The annual statewide contest celebrates the innovation, craftsmanship, and impact of Tennessee’s manufacturing sector by highlighting standout products made right here in the Volunteer State. With over 100 nominations and 95,000 votes cast from across Tennessee, McNeilus’s cutting-edge, fully electric refuse vehicle rose to the top among several impressive finalists.

“The Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition is a celebration of the creativity, skill, and innovation that define our state’s manufacturers,” said Josh Brown, President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “McNeilus embodies the future of manufacturing in Tennessee, combining advanced technology with sustainable solutions that make a real difference in communities across the country.”

Manufactured at the company’s Murfreesboro facility, the Volterra ZSL represents a leap forward in refuse collection technology. As a fully electric refuse vehicle, it offers zero-emissions operation, quieter performance, and advanced automation, demonstrating McNeilus’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

The Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition is part of the state’s annual celebration of Manufacturing Month in October, which recognizes the vital role manufacturers play in driving Tennessee’s economy. Manufacturing contributes more than $71.9 billion to Tennessee’s GDP and employs over 361,000 Tennesseans.

To learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition and Tennessee’s manufacturing industry, visit https://coolestthingmadeintn.com/ .