Switlik antigravity suit named coolest thing made in NJ

The basics:

• Switlik Survival Products wins ‘Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey‘
• Anti-G suit helps fighter pilots stay conscious during flight
• +75K votes cast during the manufacturing competition
• NJBIA summit focuses on manufacturing, business climate

An antigravity suit designed to keep fighter pilots conscious during extreme G-forces is the winner of the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey” competition.

The contest is presented by Withum and powered by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program. Switlik Survival Products in Trenton manufactured the CSU B/P Anti-G Suit. It inflates under extreme G-forces to maintain circulation and prevent fighter pilots from losing consciousness during flight.

Votes cast more than 75,000 votes across four rounds of competition for 72 New Jersey-made products.

The winner was announced during NJBIA’s annual State of the State of Manufacturing Summit at the Statehouse.

The event also featured a Hill Day and a Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hearing. It brought together manufacturers, STEM executives, lawmakers and industry stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen New Jersey’s manufacturing climate during budget season.

During that hearing, manufacturers offered recommendations to New Jersey Chief Operating Officer Kelly Doucette on how the Sherrill administration could reduce regulations affecting businesses across the state.

Other finalists in this year’s competition included a non-invasive veterinary therapy device made by ADM Tronics, thermit welding kits produced by Orgo-Thermit Inc., and superconductors manufactured by BrukerEST.

‘Alive and pumping’

“This means everything to us,” said Vanessa Cruz, human resources manager at Switlik Survival Products. “It’s another great recognition of how Trenton makes and the world takes. Manufacturing is still alive and pumping here in New Jersey.”

Cruz compared the product to the gear seen in the movie “Top Gun.” “When pilots go up and G-forces push blood downward, our suits apply mechanical compression to the lower body to allow those pilots to get that height in the air,” she said.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said the strong turnout reflects growing enthusiasm for New Jersey manufacturing.

“We had so many amazing products entered to be the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey and to have more than 75,000 votes cast — nearly double from our inaugural competition — reaffirmed our love and appreciation of manufacturing in New Jersey,” said Siekerka.

Only in New Jersey can an antigravity suit be so uplifting.
– Michele Siekerka, NJBIA president and CEO

“Congratulations to Switlik Survival Products for its innovative and winning product,” she added. “Only in New Jersey can an antigravity suit be so uplifting.”

‘Strength in numbers’

Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP, said the competition continues to highlight innovation and craftsmanship across the state’s manufacturing industry.

“We love seeing the growth of this initiative over the past two years in showcasing the incredible innovation and craftsmanship found within New Jersey’s manufacturing sector,” Connolly said. “Congratulations to Switlik Survival and all the great manufacturers who took part in the competition.”

Learn about Switlik’s history (courtesy of Switlik):

Matt Walsh, partner and practice leader for industrial and consumer products at Withum, said the contest showcases the collective strength of the state’s manufacturing sector.

“The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey initiative is more than a celebration of great products,” said Walsh. “It’s a reminder of the strength in numbers that defines our state’s manufacturing sector.

“When we highlight the ingenuity happening in our own backyard, we elevate the entire ecosystem,” he added. “Withum was proud to support NJBIA’s efforts to shine a spotlight on the manufacturers who continue to drive innovation, create opportunity and shape the future of New Jersey’s economy.”

The State of the State of Manufacturing Summit transitioned to NJBIA in 2024 as part of an effort to amplify the voice of New Jersey manufacturers and foster a more business-friendly environment statewide. The move built on NJMEP’s efforts to strengthen engagement between the state’s manufacturing sector and policymakers.