SANFORD, Fla. — June 19, 2026 — ILLUMUS is proud to announce it has been named Manufacturer of the Year in Division 3 (Large Manufacturer Category) by the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF), one of the region’s highest honors recognizing excellence in manufacturing leadership, innovation, workforce development, customer focus, and operational performance. The award program is modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award framework and celebrates organizations demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and performance excellence.
Headquartered in Sanford, Florida, ILLUMUS brings together a portfolio of leading lighting brands — ILP, GREEN CREATIVE, Barn Light Electric, and NUROAir Bluetooth Controls — delivering commercial, industrial, architectural, and controls solutions to customers across North America. The company combines American manufacturing, engineering expertise, and customer-focused innovation to create lighting solutions that elevate every space.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive this recognition from MACF. At ILLUMUS, we believe American manufacturing is about more than making products—it’s about creating opportunities, investing in people, and building organizations that are always looking for ways to improve,” said Neil Yeargin, Chief Executive Officer of ILLUMUS. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and reinforces our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and manufacturing with purpose.”
The award comes during a period of significant momentum for ILLUMUS, including continued investments in its U.S. manufacturing operations, expanded product innovation, and the recent addition of Barn Light Electric to its growing family of brands. The company now supports customers through a comprehensive portfolio of performance-driven lighting solutions while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and expanding Buy American and BABA-compliant offerings.
“At ILLUMUS, we talk a lot about continuous improvement because we live it every day,” said Garrett Smiley, Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain. “This recognition belongs to the teams on our manufacturing floors, in our warehouses, and throughout our supply chain who solve problems, adapt quickly, and never stop looking for ways to do things better. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
ILLUMUS extends its sincere appreciation to the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) and the panel of reviewers whose time, expertise, and commitment make this recognition program possible. Their dedication to celebrating and elevating manufacturing excellence strengthens the entire Central Florida manufacturing community.
ILLUMUS extends its congratulations to fellow finalists, Nautique Boat Company and Mtron, whose organizations continue to raise the standard for manufacturing excellence and contribute meaningfully to Central Florida’s thriving manufacturing economy.
“To be mentioned alongside companies like Nautique and Mtron is an honor in itself,” added Yeargin. “Central Florida manufacturing is strong because of organizations that continue to invest in innovation, their people, and their communities.”
About ILLUMUS
ILLUMUS, headquartered in Sanford, Florida, is a leading provider of lighting solutions that brings together a family of trusted brands, including ILP, GREEN CREATIVE, Barn Light Electric, and NUROAir Bluetooth Controls. Through a combination of craftsmanship, technology, and service, ILLUMUS delivers innovative lighting solutions across commercial, industrial, outdoor, and architectural applications.
About the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF)
The Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) is the region’s leading advocate for manufacturers, dedicated to advancing manufacturing excellence through collaboration, education, workforce development, and innovation. Representing manufacturers across Central Florida, MACF connects industry leaders, provides professional development opportunities, and champions initiatives that strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem and economic impact.
For more information about ILLUMUS and its family of brands, please contact:
Trew Benishek
Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Allison Jasper
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Email: [email protected]