News & Insights
We’re changing the narrative of the manufacturing industry one story at a time. CMTA’s award-winning storytelling team showcases California’s 30,000 manufacturers by uplifting the voices of our makers. Find industry news and the stories from those “Making California” below.
Renowned Flavor Brand Torani Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has welcomed new member Torani to the organization. Founded in 1925, the globally recognized flavor company is known for its wide range of syrups and sauces. Torani has a rich...
Manufacturing in the News: July 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from July 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month. Latest Industry News Union...
Manufacturing Minute: California Forever Proposes Massive Manufacturing Hub in Solano County
From award-winning sustainability efforts to creative visions for reindustrialization, this week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies, showcases how California continues to lead in innovation and industry growth. In this episode, Marathon Petroleum...
CMTA Announces 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest
CMTA presents the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in California award to Northrop Grumman, for the world’s fastest microchip, on October 18, 2024 Sacramento, Calif. – California is home to the world’s fastest microchip, zero-emission supercars, and now, the search is on to...
Trusted Cybersecurity and Compliance Company Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity...
Three29 Joins CMTA to Help Manufacturers Integrate AI Efficiency
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Three29 to the organization today. Three29 is a fully integrated, conversion-first agency specializing in helping manufacturing and construction companies. The...
Global Technology Leader Hitachi Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Hitachi to the organization today. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in digital innovation and sustainable solutions, with operations in various industries...
Manufacturing Minute: Amazon Opens New Zoox Robotaxi Factory in California
From electric robotaxis in the Bay Area to expanded aerial intelligence in Southern California, this week’s Manufacturing Minute, powered by Tri Tool Technologies, spotlights the latest wave of innovation shaping U.S. manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute...
CMTA Lands at the Paris Air Show
CMTA is at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting California’s vital role in the international aerospace industry. See our live updates!
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch Achieves Hypersonic Flight Milestone in California
From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard...
Press Release
Renowned Flavor Brand Torani Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has welcomed new member Torani to the organization. Founded in 1925, the globally recognized flavor company is known for its wide range of syrups and sauces. Torani has a rich history in California, with today its headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution exceeding 600,000 square feet in San Leandro.
“We are thrilled to welcome Torani to CMTA,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Torani is an iconic California brand that exemplifies the innovation, quality, and commitment to growth that define our state’s manufacturing community. We look forward to working with them to foster growth and opportunity for manufacturers across the state.”
Torani started out with just five syrup flavors and has since grown to a portfolio of more than 150 sold globally. With a strong emphasis on amazing flavor and creating more opportunities for people to get ahead, the company embodies the values of modern California manufacturing.
“As a 100-year-old California company that makes things, we know how much good manufacturing jobs matter to our communities,” said Melanie Dulbecco, CEO of Torani. “We’re excited to join others who share that same passion and commitment.”
The company continues to defy trends by scaling its manufacturing capabilities, including its workforce. Torani currently employs more than 400 people at the San Leandro facility and maintains a track record of zero layoffs for 100 years and counting.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.
About Torani
Torani is deeply committed to being an amazing flavor company whose purpose is “flavor for all, opportunity for all.” Established in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood in 1925, we put Italian sodas on the U.S. map in the 1920s and created the world’s first flavored latte in the 1980s. Enjoyed in cafes, restaurants, and home kitchens for 100 years, Torani strives to lead flavor innovation globally while remaining a fiercely independent, people-first Bay Area business. In practice and life beyond the bottle, Torani is a certified B Corp that believes businesses should create more opportunity, and we’re dedicated to helping all the people, partners, and communities we touch thrive. torani.com
Manufacturing Minute: California Forever Proposes Massive Manufacturing Hub in Solano County
From award-winning sustainability efforts to creative visions for reindustrialization, this week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies, showcases how California continues to lead in innovation and industry growth.
In this episode, Marathon Petroleum earns top environmental honors at the Port of Long Beach, California Forever reveals plans for what could be the largest advanced manufacturing park in the U.S., and CMTA kicks off its annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest.
Marathon Petroleum Honored for Sustainability Efforts
Photo: Marathon Petroleum
Marathon Petroleum has received the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award for its continued participation in the port’s voluntary vessel speed reduction program. The initiative encourages ships to travel at 12 knots within 40 nautical miles of the port to significantly reduce smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates. Marathon Petroleum has been a long-standing partner in this effort, helping prevent more than 1,000 tons of air pollution annually.
“Earning the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award year after year is part of our unwavering commitment to the environment and to the communities where we operate,” said Ashlee Gattuso, Commercial Marine Operations Manager at Marathon Petroleum.
California Forever Proposes High-Tech Manufacturing Hub
Photo: California Forever
Meanwhile, the team behind California Forever has revealed plans for Solano Foundry, a 2,100-acre manufacturing park that could become the largest advanced manufacturing site in the U.S.
CEO Jan Sramek revealed the project at the Reindustrialize Summit in Detroit in July 2025, describing it as a 40 million-square-foot hub for industries such as robotics, advanced transportation, energy, and defense. The project is expected to create 40,000 jobs, and the site would be located just seven miles from the proposed deep-water shipyard. These plans mark the third major concept introduced as part of California Forever’s broader vision for a master-planned city in southeast Solano County, aimed at transforming the region into a national leader by uniting research, development, and production within a single, innovation-focused ecosystem.
CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest
Finally, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association has officially opened nominations for the third annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest. This public, bracket-style competition showcases the innovation and creativity of the state’s manufacturers, an industry that supports 1.3 million jobs and contributes $310 billion to the state’s GDP. From July 21 to August 29, the public can submit a nomination for a product made in California.
Voting begins in September with four rounds:
September 8–11 (Popular Round)
September 15–18 (Top 16)
September 22–25 (Top 8)
September 29–October 3 (Top 4)
The winner will be announced on October 22 at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Submit your nomination at coolestthingcalifornia.com and secure your spot to attend the celebration here: Coolest Thing Celebration Event.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.
CMTA Announces 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest
CMTA presents the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in California award to Northrop Grumman, for the world’s fastest microchip, on October 18, 2024
Sacramento, Calif. – California is home to the world’s fastest microchip, zero-emission supercars, and now, the search is on to crown the next “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to announce the third year of the contest, which celebrates the innovation and creativity of California’s manufacturing sector. As global supply chains shift and reshoring trends accelerate, California’s 30,000 manufacturers are proving that world-class innovation still starts here in the Golden State.
The “Coolest Thing Made in California” competition is the only contest of its kind in the state, with a bracket-style tournament in which the public can nominate and vote for their favorite products made in California. This contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in the state’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the annual GDP.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of California’s economy. The industry drives innovation, creates high-wage jobs and produces the essential goods that support our everyday lives,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “In a rapidly changing global landscape, it is critical now more than ever to support and celebrate the ingenuity and resilience of our state’s manufacturing sector. I am very excited to see what the public nominates and votes for in this year’s contest.”
Each year, the contest makes headlines for its recognition of unique California-made products and the awareness it brings to manufacturers across the state. The 2024 contest brought in more than 246,000 votes and reached an estimated audience of 34 million people through social media and broadcast platforms combined. With past finalists including everything from edible cups to personal air taxis, each product represents cutting edge thinkers and technological advancements. This year, with a longer nomination period and a strong fanbase, the contest is highly anticipated.
How it works:
- Nominate: July 21-August 29
During this timeframe, anyone can submit a nomination for a product made in California at coolestthingcalifornia.com. Products that reached the Top 4 Round in 2024 are not eligible. - Vote: September 8-October 3
The public votes weekly in four bracket-style rounds. Each round narrows the field until a winner is determined.- Popular round: September 8-11
- Top 16: September 15-18
- Top 8: September 22-25
- Top 4: September 29-October 3
- Celebrate: October 22
The winner is formally announced at the Coolest Thing Made in California Celebration on October 22, 2025, at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.
To learn more about the competition and nominate a product, go to coolesthingcalifornia.com.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.