[ScrapOrchard]

I don't know about code wise.. but, here is a duck tape method which I hope will work (?).

Create a new Category, naming it like Featured Manufacturer or something. Then search for all the products by that Manufacturer/Provider, select all the products, click Modify and add those products to the Featured Manufacturer category.

I am sure someone here can give you code or something, but since I am not as familiar with the programming end, I tend to find creative, alternative ways to achieve results!