About Us

Sterling Manufacturing is owned and operated by Lon Lehman and Chip Tippmann. Lon and Chip both started in the Commercial Steamer business with Accutemp Products in 1992. Accutemp was the first company to manufacture Connectionless Steamers exclusively. Lon performed Manufacturing/Design Engineering while creating and managing the Service Dept. and Chip was the first Outside Sales Representative for Accutemp. Lon finished his tenure with Accutemp as the head of Engineering and Chip had become sole owner of an Outside Sales Rep. Company, which sold Accutemp Products exclusively through much of the United States.

In the spring of 2003, Lon and Chip ventured out together and started Intek Manufacturing. Intek manufactured the Xtreme Steam Connectionless Steamer and in 2004, Intek was presented the Appliance Design of the Year Award. Intek was acquired by Unified Brands in 2010. Lon and Chip currently hold five patents related to Commercial Cooking Equipment and have several additional patent applications pending approval.

about photo
One person giving award to another person with blue flame logos and signs behind

In September of 2014, Lon and Chip formed Sterling Manufacturing and designed the Sterling Steamer. The Sterling Steamer is the culmination of 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, servicing, and marketing Steam Cooking Equipment.

1. Gene Tippmann the inventor of the original Steam n Hold Steamer.

Geno with steamer

2. We finally have some excess inventory.

Inventory at factory kept open during daytime

3. Amada laser/punch and brake. Yes, the Sterling Steamer is made in Indiana, U.S.A.

Machines at factory during nighttime