Lippert’s Florida team wins top manufacturing award

FL Sterling Award

June 20, 2022

Lippert Components, Inc.(Lippert™), a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions dedicated to shaping, growing, and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle, and building products industries, and their adjacent markets announced today that Lippert Plant 113, located in Bradenton, Florida, was recognized as one of three Gold winner recipients for the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award (SMBE) by the FloridaMakes Network and the Florida Sterling Council. Leaders accepted the award at the 30th Annual Governor’s Sterling Award Banquet on June 3rd in Orlando. Plant 113 manufactures marine canvas, upholstery, and shade systems for the Taylor Made® and SureShade® brands.

Over 160 Florida manufacturers were nominated for this year’s award. A team of Sterling Council-trained examiners and manufacturing community representatives contributed significant time and expertise to evaluate nominations and narrowed them down to 23 finalists. The examiners then conducted virtual site visits, interviews with leadership, and employee focus groups with each finalist and then chose 11 winners designated as gold, silver, and bronze.

“I was stunned when I heard our name announced as a Gold winner! To be among the two other highest achieving companies, ones that are larger and very well-known, further emphasized that what we’re doing inside the four walls of our company is right and it’s working. I believe our team’s engagement and focus on core values truly set us apart from others. I could not be prouder of the entire team and the dedication they show each and every day. This is their award,” said Don Zirkelbach, Regional Operations Leader at Taylor Made.

“It was a pleasure to present the Gold award to the Taylor Made team. They most certainly demonstrated high performance, specifically in the area of leadership and culture. Our examiners observed their strengths in the development of positive leadership competencies and behaviors, and a climate that contributes to a positive culture, clear communication, and focus on the customer,” said Phil Centonze, Director of Performance Assessment at the FloridaMakes Network.

“It’s an honor to recognize Florida manufacturers who are superlative examples of the state’s manufacturing prowess,” said Kevin Carr, CEO of the FloridaMakes Network. “The 11 winners went through a stringent assessment process to get an SMBE award and their dedication to the process was inspiring. They truly represent the best of the best among manufacturers in Florida. On behalf of the entire FloridaMakes Network and our statewide partners, I want to congratulate each company on its well-deserved SMBE award.”

The FloridaMakes Network will feature the finalists and winners in webinars, plant tours, and events that share best practices to benefit Florida’s manufacturing sector.

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More