The ZR5-1200 self-propelled hay baler, manufactured by Pella-based Vermeer Corp., has been named the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.

The statewide industry group announced the award Wednesday during its Taking Care of Business Conference at the RiverCenter in Davenport, according to a news release.

The world’s first self-propelled baler, the ZR5-1200 reduces the steps needed to make a hay bale and “maximizes productivity through zero-turn capabilities,” the release says.

Vermeer was founded in 1948 and is a family-owned and family-operated company.

“My grandfather was a farmer. He founded Vermeer on a spirit of innovation by simply searching for a better way to do hard work. Receiving this award is incredibly special as it indicates his legacy continues on,” Mindi Vanden Bosch, Vermeer vice president of operations, said in a prepared statement.

“I am proud of the cool equipment we build and even more proud of the team who designs, builds and supports it,” she said in the statement. “I’m also proud to have been nominated alongside an incredible lineup of cool things made in Iowa. Thanks to ABI for bringing awareness to everything made in our great state.”

ABI partnered with MidWestOne Bank to present the award Wednesday. The organization announced the 32 made-in-Iowa products nominated for the Coolest Thing award on April 24. Voting was open to the public.

“The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa showcases the best of Iowa manufacturing,” ABI President Mike Ralston said. “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and especially to the entire team at Vermeer.”

The nominees included products from Iowa’s craft beer, cider and food manufacturing sectors, advanced manufacturing and construction components, among others, according to the list of 2024 nominees.

ABI’s conference June 4-6 is also meant to highlight manufacturing and careers available in the industry throughout the state. The industry contributes about $38 billion to the Iowa economy annually and employs more than 225,000 workers, the release says.

To watch the announcement, click here.