SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Cal EPIC to the organization today. Cal EPIC works to accelerate research and development of next-generation energy and transportation technology. Through the...
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.
Manufacturing in the News: November 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from November 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 Governor...
Leading Employer of People with Disabilities Joins CMTA
SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member PRIDE Industries to the organization today. With a mission to create lasting employment for people with disabilities, PRIDE Industries is one of the most successful...
2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Support California Makers
2025 California-Made Holiday Gift Guide Celebrate the season with gifts made by California’s most innovative manufacturers. From handcrafted treats to cutting-edge creations, these products showcase the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship that make...
4 Ways CMTA Helps Manufacturers Compete in California
Why CMTA Membership Is Essential for California Manufacturers Since 1918, CMTA has been dedicated to creating an environment where California manufacturers can thrive, not just survive. Membership provides manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, support, and...
CMTA Elects New Board Officers
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced the election of new officers within its Board of Directors, underscoring the organization’s commitment to strong leadership representing California’s diverse manufacturing...
Proposed LA Stormwater Permit Could Cost Businesses $325,000 Per Acre
CMTA Sounds the Alarm on the Unclear and Unaffordable Mandate Los Angeles, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is urging the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to halt consideration of a costly and poorly...
Manufacturing in the News: October 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from October 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 Lockheed...
Experimental Jet Wins 2025 Coolest Thing Made in California Contest
Sacramento, Calif. – After more than 200,000 votes, the California-made X-59 built by Lockheed Martin in Palmdale has been crowned the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The annual statewide contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology...
CMTA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Insights from Torani Leader
Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the meaningful impact, creativity, and guidance of Hispanic and Latino professionals across industries. In California’s diverse and evolving...
Press Release
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.
Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above.
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.
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