2025 Nissan Frontier Wins Fourth Annual Mississippi Makers’ Challenge

JACKSON – The 2025 Nissan Frontier, manufactured by Nissan North America in Canton, is the winner of the fourth annual Mississippi Makers’ Challenge Sponsored by Hancock Whitney.

Hosted by the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, the Mississippi Makers’ Challenge is a contest to find The Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi. The Nissan Frontier collected 42 percent of the vote in the Round of Four, defeating the C-130J Hercules by Lockheed Martin in Meridian, the MX-11 Vocational Diesel Engine by PACCAR Engine Company in Columbus, and the Walk-in Coolers and Freezers by Thermo-Kool in Laurel.

“The 9,366 votes in the Round of Four were a contest record, as was the margin of victory. The Nissan Frontier bested our second-place finisher by just 316 votes,” said MMA President & CEO John McKay. “Those numbers signify the effort our finalists put into this contest as well as the passion they have for the products they make each and every day.”

There were 70 products submitted in this year’s contest and 92,395 votes. The Mississippi Makers’ Challenge began with two weeks of product nominations followed by a two-week Nominated Products Voting Round. The top 16 products advanced to a three-round bracket-style competition.

“On behalf of Hancock Whitney, we would like to congratulate Nissan on your outstanding achievement in the Mississippi Makers Challenge!” said Hancock Whitney Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking James Kaigler. “Your creativity, dedication, and innovation have set a new standard, and your hard work truly inspires us all! Here’s to many more successes ahead!”

Representatives from Nissan were presented with a trophy, Finalist and Winner banners, as well as a championship belt during an awards ceremony at the Mississippi State Capitol this morning.

“The craftsmanship from Canton employees ensures that our vehicles perform at their very best – making it a reliable, versatile, and capable truck,” said Nissan Canton Vice President of Manufacturing Victor Taylor. “Our pride in what we do shines through in every Frontier that rolls off the assembly line, and this recognition celebrates our employees’ hard work and commitment.”

Governor Tate Reeves spoke at today’s event. He praised the finalists and their role in making Mississippi a leader in American manufacturing.

“The Mississippi Makers’ Challenge showcases the very best of what’s being built right here in the state,” said Governor Reeves. “Ingenuity, creativity, and innovation have always had a home in Mississippi. There’s no better place to carry out a vision than here, and there’s no better place to build things than Mississippi.”