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.
“This recognition belongs to every member of our team,” said Neil Yeargin, Chief Executive Officer of ILLUMUS. “Manufacturing is ultimately about people — people who innovate, solve problems, and show up every day committed to making things better. We’re honored to be recognized by MACF and incredibly proud to call Central Florida home.”
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 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.”
The Manufacturers Association of Central Florida serves as a leading advocate for manufacturers throughout the region, supporting an industry that drives billions of dollars in economic activity and creates thousands of jobs across Central Florida.
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.