A Bartlett-based company's eclipse glasses are in the running to be named the "Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee."
American Paper Optics' glasses — worn by millions during April's eclipse — have advanced to the final four of the inaugural statewide "Coolest Thing" contest. The Tennessee Chamber and Tennessee Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association and Smart Factory Institute Tennessee, launched the lighthearted competition, according to a news release.
The contest, which had more than 100 submissions, aims to showcase the state’s manufacturing industry, which employs one out of eight Tennesseans and contributes more than $62 billion to the state’s economy. The finalists include American Paper Optics' eclipse glasses, Eastman's Tritan Renew, DENSO's Phone As a Key (PAAK) and Nissan's Rogue.
“We are thrilled to see such strong support for our local manufacturers and the incredible products they make right here in Tennessee,” Bradley Jackson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry/Tennessee Manufacturers Association, said in a news release.
What is American Paper Optics?
American Paper Optics is touted as the largest manufacturer of solar eclipse glasses and the largest 3D optics company in the world. The company makes all its products here in the Memphis area, for distribution to a worldwide audience.
The company sold more than 70 million pairs of solar eclipse glasses during April’s total solar eclipse. In 2017, the company sold 45 million pairs of solar eclipse glasses. The company makes approximately 500,000 to 1.5 million pairs of glasses a day. In an eclipse year, 95% of the glasses made are solar eclipse glasses, chief marketing officer Jason Lewis told The Commercial Appeal in a story published in April.
Lewin said the eclipse excitement would account for about a 500% increase in revenue this year; similarly, the company saw revenue spike approximately five times above its averages in 2017.
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How to vote for 'Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee'
Voting for the four finalists runs through July 24. To vote, visit coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote.
The winner will be announced July 25 at The Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee lunch and the Smart Solutions for Smart Factories Expo at The Commons at PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
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