Sterling Performance Engines Further Diversifying

Most performance-boat enthusiasts know Sterling Performance Engines for the powerplants it builds for world champion offshore racers and high-end owners of go-fast pleasure-boat. And without question, the Milford, Mich., company has made its considerable name in the marine industry doing just that. But the truth is Sterling derives far more revenue from product durability testing on liquid-component parts, such as fuel pumps, for the automotive industry.

Sterling Performance made its name in the go-fast boating world on high-performance engines, but its core—now expanding—has long been in automotive component durability testing. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Now the company is adding two other important elements to its business.

“A recent opportunity presented itself where I could expand the business into electronic component testing and in the autonomous vehicle industries,” said Mike D’Anniballe, the founder and president of Sterling Performance Engines. “I have partnered with three individuals who will help me achieve my long-term goal of reaching the global market. Having partners that can grow that element of the business will allow me to continue to grow our engine and high-performance marine engine manufacturing side of the business.”

With China’s relatively new emissions regulations, Sterling has seen a “fair amount of growth from that region,” according to D’Anniballe, who added that he hopes to grow and meet the demand for testing electronic boards, connections and cables and much more.

Sterling was founded and began building high-performance marine engines in 1990. In 2004, the company expanded into automotive fluid-component-testing.

D’Anniballe said he is excited to focus in the coming years on expanding the engine manufacturing business while his partners grow the other portion of the business.

“It will be a race to see which part of the business grows the fastest,” he said. “This focus will allow him more time at boating and racing events with customers and new prospects.”

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