The Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award
The comprehensive Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Award assessment is a valuable tool for manufacturing companies in Florida and Georgia committed to improving their leadership and operational systems. Based on the nationally recognized Sterling / Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence, this assessment evaluates performance using the Organizational Profile as context to evaluate key processes in the Leadership, Strategy, Customers, Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management, Workforce, and Operations Categories of the Framework.
The 2026 SMBEA Recipients
The Sterling Council is pleased to share that four regional manufacturers have earned the coveted 2026 Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) recognition. The SMBE recognition is given annually to regional manufacturers who achieve high levels of performance in several categories, including leadership, strategy, customer and market focus, organizational intelligence, workforce, and operations.
The 2026 SMBE recognition is given to:
Gold Award Recipient:
- Jupiter Bach North America, Inc., Pensacola, FL (https://jupiterbach.com/location/usa-pensacola-fl/)
Silver Award Recipients:
- Eastman Chemical Taminco US LLC, Pace, FL (https://www.eastman.com/en/who-we-are/locations/pace-fl-usa)
- Weedoo Greenboat, Inc., Stuart, FL (https://weedooboats.com/)
Highly Innovative Design Award Recipient:
- LightPath Technologies, Orlando, FL (https://www.lightpath.com/)
The Sterling Council is proud to recognize these four exceptional manufacturers, each demonstrating remarkable excellence and leadership within our regional manufacturing community,” said Roland Martinez, Chairman of the Sterling Council. “Their commitment to high performance, innovation, and continuous improvement is truly commendable. Through a rigorous evaluation, these companies have demonstrated their ability to address strategic challenges, align resources effectively, and position themselves for long-term success. They represent the very best of regional manufacturing. On behalf of The Sterling Council and our valued partners, I extend heartfelt congratulations to each organization on this well-earned achievement.These four companies emerged as top performers from a field of more than 100 regional manufacturers nominated for this year’s awards. A team of Sterling Council–trained examiners and representatives from the manufacturing community contributed their time and expertise to conduct a thorough evaluation of each nominee, including site visits and interviews with organizational leaders and employees.
The Sterling Council will honor and showcase these companies as they receive their awards at the 34th Sterling Awards Banquet on May 29 at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek in Orlando. They will also be featured in plant tours and related activities designed to share best practices and strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Our participation in the Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Award process is a transformative experience and allowed us to gain valuable insights from the Assessment Team. Their expertise helped us identify key opportunities to further elevate our operational performance and strengthen our commitment to excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. Using the feedback from the Sterling Framework is instrumental in our continuous improvement journey, where we continue to raise the bar to ensure we can meet our mission of helping you ‘See Better to Live Better’.
Bob Fulop,
Senior Leader
Bausch + Lomb Pharmaceuticals in Tampa
2025 Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award, Gold Recipient