We're proud to share that Switlik Survival Products has won the second annual "Coolest Thing Made in NJ" competition. The winning product is one of ours that most people will never see in action, but that does critical work at 30,000 feet: our CSU-13 B/P Anti-G Suit.
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The suit is worn by fighter pilots and inflates under extreme G-forces, applying mechanical compression to the lower body so blood doesn't pool away from the brain during high-speed maneuvers. In plain terms, it's what keeps a pilot pulling serious Gs awake and in control instead of losing consciousness at altitude.
The win was announced May 21, 2026, at NJBIA's State of the State of Manufacturing event at the New Jersey Statehouse; a fitting place to hear the news, since we've been making safety and survival gear right here in Trenton for generations.
This competition, presented by Withum and powered by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) as part of the broader Manufacturing Counts initiative, isn't judged behind closed doors, it's decided by public vote.
This year, 72 products entered, and the field was narrowed across four rounds of voting before we came out on top of a final four that also included a veterinary therapy device (Vet-Sonotron, from ADM Tronics in Bergen County), a rail welding kit (Thermit Welding Kits, from Orgo-Thermit in Ocean County), and superconductor technology used in MRI and particle accelerator systems (from BrukerEST in Middlesex County).
More than 75,000 votes were cast in total, nearly double the turnout from the competition's inaugural year.
To everyone who voted for us: thank you.
What This Means to Us
"This means everything to us," said Vanessa Cruz, our HR Manager. "It's another great recognition of how Trenton makes and the world takes."
We were glad to hear NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka say: "Congratulations to Switlik Survival Products for its innovative and winning product. Only in New Jersey can an antigravity suit be so uplifting."
NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly extended the credit statewide: "Congratulations to Switlik Survival and all the great manufacturers who took part in the competition."
And Matt Walsh, Partner/Practice Leader at Withum, put the contest in perspective: "The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey initiative is more than a celebration of great products. It's a reminder of the strength in numbers that defines our state's manufacturing sector."
As the winner, we were featured in both New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters magazine, a spotlight we're honored to share with our whole team.
Built on a Legacy of Safety
This award is a reminder that New Jersey's manufacturing story isn't just about what's new, it's about what endures. We've spent decades building gear that pilots, boaters, and service members trust with their lives, and the CSU B/P Anti-G Suit is the latest chapter in that legacy.
For a state often associated with pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and ports, we're proud to show that New Jersey's factory floors are still producing things that matter, sometimes literally keeping people conscious to do their jobs. And we're proud that one of those things comes from right here in Trenton.