One way to keep the names short is to use the same technique they use in Product.tpl to keep the description to only 300 words. Use Truncate to limit the lenght of the name. However this will cut off part of the name.
Did you ever get this so that it will work.
I made similar code myself almost identicle. I even used your code. and when I select a manufacture it does not load the page.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Any Suggestions.
4.013
http://seabass.handsonwebhosting.com/~scalecar