By Magnolia Mornings, Magnolia Tribune
(Photo from MSBA)
Lockheed Martin has been named the winner of the 2026 Mississippi Makers Challenge, presented by the Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA). The announcement was made today during MSBA’s General Assembly in Jackson.
“Mississippi is proud to see Lockheed Martin’s Meridian-built C-130J Super Hercules named MSBA’s Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “This vital aircraft supports more than 500 Mississippi jobs across our state, building on a 57-year heritage in Meridian. We are proud of the key role Lockheed Martin continues to play in Mississippi’s support of the U.S. Armed Forces and our allies.”
The Mississippi Makers Challenge celebrates the manufacturers and makers across the state whose innovation, craftsmanship and investment help strengthen Mississippi’s economy and workforce.
In addition to Lockheed Martin, the 2026 final four included Cathead Distillery, CITEArmored, and Toyota. MSBA also recognized all of the companies that participated in this year’s competition for showcasing the impact of manufacturing across Mississippi.
The Mississippi Makers Challenge is designed to celebrate the people, products and companies that contribute to Mississippi’s manufacturing community and demonstrate why Made in Mississippi matters.