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.
The Mississippi Makers Challenge celebrates the manufacturers and makers across the state whose innovation, craftsmanship and investment help strengthen Mississippi’s economy and workforce.
Lockheed Martin was selected as the 2026 winner following an exciting statewide competition that highlighted outstanding Mississippi manufacturers. After advancing through multiple rounds of public voting, Lockheed Martin earned the most votes in the final round and was recognized as this year’s Mississippi Maker.
“After an exciting competition, with tens of thousands of votes from people all across the country, we are proud to announce Lockheed Martin as the 2026 Mississippi Makers' Challenge winner,” said John McKay of the Mississippi Business Alliance. “Manufacturing is vital to Mississippi because it creates jobs, supports families, strengthens communities, and provides opportunities for people of all ages to build some of the most innovative products in America right here in our state.”
In addition to Lockheed Martin, the 2026 final four included Cathead Distillery, CITE Armored, 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.
The Mississippi Business Alliance congratulates Lockheed Martin and all of the 2026 Mississippi Makers Challenge participants for their contributions to Mississippi’s business and manufacturing community.
