SFMA honors South Florida manufacturers at 47th awards event

The South Florida Manufacturers Association drew 692 people to Pembroke Pines on June 25 for its 47th Recognition of Excellence Awards, spotlighting employees, manufacturers and partners across the region. The event underscored manufacturing’s role in jobs, workforce development and regional growth.

Why it matters: - The awards program spotlights the people and companies driving South Florida’s manufacturing economy. - The event recognizes workforce talent, operational excellence and industry partnerships across a broad range of sectors. - The ceremony also serves as a networking and ecosystem-building event for manufacturers, educators, sponsors and economic development groups.

What happened: - The South Florida Manufacturers Association held its 47th Recognition of Excellence Awards on June 25, 2026, at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines. - The event drew 692 manufacturing leaders, employees, sponsors and community partners. - SFMA recognized outstanding employees, manufacturers and value-add partners from industries including medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, marine, electronics, packaging and food and beverage. - President Matt Rocco said the ceremony reflects the talent, innovation and commitment that strengthen South Florida manufacturing.

The details: - The 2026 program included 101 Employee of the Year nominees, 26 Manufacturer of the Year finalists and 5 Value Add Partner of the Year finalists. - Employee of the Year winners included Milla Moya of HOERBIGER Corporation of America, Inc. in Administrative, Kieffer Rueckert of SV Microwave in Engineering, Raa'id Khan of Naztec International Group LLC in Information Technology, Jessica McBath of SV Microwave in Sales & Marketing, Luisana Candelario of PL Developments, LLC in Environmental Health & Safety, Juan Jimenez of Noven Pharmaceuticals in Production, Benjamin Buhite of Caliber Sales Engineering, Inc. in Production Support, Aniceto Ferreira-Zittle of Tabanero Holdings in Supervisory, and Lisa Berry-Wensveen of Centuric as Value-Add Partner. - Ring Power won Value-Add Partner of the Year. - Manufacturer of the Year winners were South East Machine in The Micro Giants, Hialeah Metal Spinning in The Breakthroughs, OCULUS Surgical in The Mavericks, ENNOVI in The Trailblazers, Noven in The Titans and Slate Solutions in The Grand Elite. - The evening also featured a VIP reception, networking, sponsor recognition, a Walk of Fame nominee showcase and an after-party. - Sponsors included presenting sponsor Randstad, plus Atlas Packaging & Displays, nPerspective CFO & Strategic Services, First American Bank, Southeastern Printing, Atlas Sign Industries, FloridaMakes, Valley Bank, First State Bank and Align Business Advisory Services. - Platinum sponsors were Broward College, CohnReznick, Flex, INSOCO, Slate Solutions and Stalvex USA.

Between the lines: - The event showed how manufacturing in South Florida depends on coordination between employers, service providers, educators and regional leaders. - The broad sponsor list suggests the industry network around SFMA remains active and invested in the sector. - The recognition of multiple category winners points to a manufacturing base that spans both established firms and specialized niche producers.

What's next: - SFMA said the Recognition of Excellence program will continue to support its mission of celebrating manufacturing excellence and strengthening industry connections. - The association will keep using advocacy, networking, workforce development, education and recognition programs to support the region’s manufacturing community. - More information is available on SFMA's website.