Read CMTA’s round-up of manufacturing news from February 2026. 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
Nikon Invests in Trener Robotics to Advance Industrial Automation
Nikon Corporation has invested in California-based Trener Robotics, a CMTA member, to accelerate the commercialization of AI-powered robot vision systems.
By combining Trener Robotics’ AI-powered platform “Acteris” with Nikon’s precision technologies, the partnership aims to enhance automation, efficiency, and versatility at manufacturing sites through natural language programming and advanced robotic operations.
Novartis Breaks Ground on San Diego Facility
Novartis, a CMTA board member company, has started construction on a 466,000‑square‑foot biomedical research center in San Diego, CA.
The project is part of its $23 billion U.S. investment to expand advanced manufacturing, strengthen domestic capabilities, and accelerate drug discovery. The new center will support the development and production of innovative therapies to meet growing patient needs.
California Awards $4 Million to Launch EV Charger Testing Lab
The California Energy Commission has awarded $4 million to CMTA member Cal EPIC to launch the state’s first EV Charger Testing and Interoperability Lab in Sacramento.
The lab will enable EV and charger manufacturers to validate interoperability, develop future charging standards, and explore vehicle-to-grid technologies, advancing clean energy and manufacturing innovation statewide.
Amprius Scales California Battery Manufacturing for U.S. Markets
Amprius Technologies, headquartered in Fremont, CA, has partnered with U.S.-based Nanotech Energy to scale domestic production of its high-performance silicon-anode battery cells.
This partnership strengthens Amprius’ ability to supply aerospace, defense, and mission-critical markets while expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity and supporting a secure, American-made supply chain.
Union Pacific Recognized for Intermodal Service Excellence
Union Pacific Railroad, a CMTA board member company, was recognized as North America’s top-performing railroad for intermodal service by the Journal of Commerce.
The company earned high marks for terminal gate processes, equipment availability, and streamlined freight operations, highlighting its role in supporting efficient supply chains for manufacturers across the region.
Manufacturing Policy News
EV Emissions Legal Battle Could Reshape U.S. Auto Manufacturing
California has filed a lawsuit challenging Congress’ move to overturn the state’s vehicle-emissions waiver under the Congressional Review Act.
The dispute could determine whether automakers must follow California’s clean-car standards or the federal government’s revised rules, shaping production decisions, compliance planning, and the future of U.S. auto manufacturing.
New California Bill Mandates Food Additive Safety Reviews
New California Assembly Bill AB 2034 (Addis, 2026) requires food manufacturers to notify the California Department of Public Health before using new additives or ingredients, beginning July 1, 2027.
The bill mandates safety reviews, publication in a public database, and periodic reassessments, increasing oversight of food manufacturing practices statewide.