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
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
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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