Story dated October 14, 2005 .

Stern Pinball Inc has won an award from Start Magazine, an American publication for executives in manufacturing.

Winning in the 2005 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award, the company had to demonstrate excellence in four categories such as recognising the significance of manufacturing to the economy, showing how they overcame obstacles to remain competitive and illustrating a committment to the workers and their community.

Collecting the award, Stern Pinball President Gary Stern said: "This award demonstrates that pinball remains a viable and exciting product in today's world in the eyes of the manufacturing community".

Other companies winning awards included Pfizer, Texas Instruments, Pepsi Co. and General Mills.