Stevens Point book printer receives enough votes for producing best-selling children’s book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Stevens Point, Wis. – Worzalla, an employee-owned printing company specializing in high-quality custom products including children’s books and coffee table books, is one of 16 companies across the state to make it past the initial public voting phase for the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest. The contest, now in its fourth year, aims to highlight the state’s manufacturing industry.

More than 40,000 votes were cast in the initial public voting period to determine the Top 16 “Coolest Things” made in Wisconsin. Now, these products will face off in bracket-style voting rounds until the winner is determined. The next round of voting takes place September 17-22 to determine the Top 8.

Worzalla has been nominated for its production of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, a #1 New York Times best-selling children’s book series authored by Jeff Kinney and published by Amulet Books. As the domestic manufacturing home of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid since 2007, Worzalla has printed millions of copies of each book in the series, most recently the thirteenth book Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal that was released in April 2019.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside many other amazing Wisconsin companies in the Coolest Thing contest’s Top 16,” said Jim Fetherston, President and CEO of Worzalla. “Thanks to our dedicated associates, our business partners, and community leaders for projecting us into the next round of voting. We hope everyone will continue to support us over the next week.”

Each new book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series requires about 40 million linear feet of paper, which when laid out end to end is 7,889 miles, roughly the distance from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Manila, Philippines. Additionally, each book requires about 450,000 pounds of ink and upwards of 7,500 manhours.

The next round of voting for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest will open on Tuesday, September 17. Individuals can vote once per 24-hour period per device through Sunday, September 22. Votes can be cast at madeinwis.com.