The Made in Kendall recognition is a program of the Kendall County Economic Development Office with the goal of promoting manufacturing and supporting manufacturers and local makers in Kendall County. For makers, it shines a light on something made locally that is of exceptional quality. The program underscores the value Kendall County places on manufacturing enterprises and helps encourage industry in the county.

 2025 Made in Kendall Designations

Consumer Product Division - Leisure Line Adirondack Chair, Tangent Technologies, Montgomery

Tangent Technologies of Montgomery, Illinois earned the Made in Kendall designation for its Leisure Line Adirondack Chair. The chair product made in Kendall County, has sold millions of units through major national retailers. This sturdy, maintenance-free, outdoor furniture is made of 90% recycled plastic and carries a 40-year warranty.

Tangent Technologies was formed in 1982 in Aurora, Illinois as a plastics recycler and is now conducting its operations in Montgomery at the Grid, formerly the Caterpillar site. The company produces plastic resin and plastic resin products, including polyethylene lumber used in outdoor furniture, site amenities, structural applications and marine decking.

Consumer Product Division, Honorable Mention - Organizer, Plano Molding/Pure Fishing, Sandwich

Plano Molding/Pure Fishing in Sandwich, Illinois is an industry leader in injection-molded consumer products. The company is widely known for its outdoor equipment boxes, tool boxes and hobby organizers.

Industrial Product Division - HP Series Refrigeration Pump, MTH Pumps, Plano

MTH Pumps in Plano, Illinois manufacturers specialty pumps. Its HP Series Refrigeration Pump is a leader in the field, with applications in commercial refrigeration and data centers. The pump is highly energy-efficient, saving its owners money and using much less electricity than its competitors. With 35,000 pumps in use, the MTH pumps prevent 8.4 millions pounds of carbon emissions daily during cooler months.

PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA

The recognition process begins each October with nominations accepted through the month of November for the  annual “Made in Kendall” recognition. Announcement of the “Made in Kendall” recognition will be made at a January county board meeting with a board reception for recognition winners.

Recipients of the designation receive a special plaque, a county board proclamation and an invitation to display their product in the Kendall County product display case.

Nominations are accepted in three main divisions: Consumer Product, Industrial Product and Community Maker. The “Made in Kendall” designation need not be declared in every division or category each year. Nominations in the Consumer Product and Industrial Product divisions will be judged on these criteria: product value, product quality, product durability, product design, and product uniqueness. The Community Maker designation is awarded based on community involvement, general public regard, and uniqueness of product or service.

The “Made in Kendall” recognition will be decided by a panel of three county board members appointed by the county board chairman.

The 2025 recipients of the “Made in Kendall” recognition will receive a plaque recognizing the company and its employees, recognition on the Kendall County boardroom permanent MIK plaque, and will receive social media promotion, and local publicity.

Eligibility. Products in the Consumer Product and Industrial Product divisions must be made in Kendall County. The manufacturer’s headquarters need not be in the county. Products must be made in the calendar year in which they are nominated. Assembled products and products finished in Kendall County may be nominated. Products nominated are subject to verification by the “Made in Kendall” panel or by the Kendall County Economic Development Office. Businesses in the Community Maker division must have been in operation for a minimum of six months.

Nominations. Nominations must include the name of the product, the name of the manufacturer, a short description of the product, and the name, email and telephone numbers of the person making the nomination. If possible, photos of the product should be submitted. Individuals may make up to three nominations per year per category and must be residents of Kendall County. The nominator’s contact information will not be revealed but will only be used for verification or follow-up questions. Nomination forms are located on the Kendall County website.

Made in Kendall Nomination Forms

Made in Kendall  -  Community Marker Nomination Form

Made in Kendall  -  Industrial Product Nomination Form

Made in Kendall  -  Consumer Product Nomination Form