Lippert’s Florida team wins top manufacturing award

Leading global manufacturer and supplier of RV products and components, Lippert, is celebrating after the team from its Plant 113 in Bradenton, Florida was recognised as one of three gold winner recipients in the annual Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award (SMBE) by the FloridaMakes Network and the Florida Sterling Council.

More than 160 Florida manufacturers were nominated for the 2022 awards, and a team of Sterling Council-trained examiners and manufacturing community representatives narrowed the field down to 23 finalists. The examiners then conducted virtual site visits, interviews with leadership, and employee focus groups to choose the 11 winners, designated as gold, silver and bronze. Lippert’s Plant 113 manufacturers canvas, upholstery and shade systems for the Taylor Made And SureShade brands.

Don Zirkelbach, regional operations leader at Taylor Made, said: “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.”

Phil Centonze, director of performance assessment at the FloridaMakes Network, said: “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 behaviours, and a climate that contributes to a positive culture, clear communication, and focus on the customer.”

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