This week’s Manufacturing Minute video takes a deep dive into two major events scheduled for March 2025, both designed to celebrate, connect, and inspire the manufacturing community. https://youtu.be/paCMajlLJVs Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in 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 Minute: California’s Getting a New Manufacturing Jobs Training Program
This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights exciting advancements in workforce development, biomanufacturing, and defense technology. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool...
Fourth-Generation Walnut Manufacturer Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly welcomes Grower Direct Nut Co., a leader in the walnut industry with a rich history in sustainable farming and innovative processing techniques, as a new member of the...
WEBINAR: Navigating the Impact of the New PM2.5 NAAQS on California Industrial Operations
Webinar presented by Trinity Consultants and CMTA Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted an exclusive webinar with associate member Trinity Consultants, exploring the implications of the United States Environmental...
Manufacturing Minute: California Selected as Headquarters for National Semiconductor Technology Center
This week’s Manufacturing Minute spotlights exciting advancements in California’s manufacturing landscape. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies....
PG&E and Acena Consulting Join CMTA as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to welcome two new associate members, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Acena Consulting to the association. Both companies bring significant expertise that...
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) Elects New Chair and Secretary of the Board of Directors
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly announces that effective January 1, 2025, Margo Parks will lead the association as Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Adrian Guerrero will serve alongside Parks and...
CMTA Sponsors City of Fremont’s 13th Annual Manufacturing Week
Fremont, Calif. – In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 4, the City of Fremont hosted its 13th annual celebration of Manufacturing Week from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14. Sponsored by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the weeklong...
2024 MakingCA Conference Recap
Innovation in Manufacturing: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition & Technology 100 people joined CMTA to celebrate California’s 30,000 manufacturers during the 2nd Annual MakingCA Conference on Friday, October, 18, 2024. Speakers included CEO of People’s First Beef...
World’s Fastest Microchip Made by Northrop Grumman Wins CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest
JPMorganChase presented awards to the champion and finalists on Friday, October 18, 2024 Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced today the winner of the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest. Northrop...
Press Release
Manufacturing Minute: Boeing is Building Autonomous Undersea Vehicles for the U.S. Navy in California

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights impressive developments happening in California from two of CMTA’s Board Member companies. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.
Boeing’s Orca XLUUV is leading innovation in Undersea Operations

Boeing Orca XLUUV | Photo Courtesy of USNI News
Boeing’s Orca XLUUV, an autonomous extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle, is being made in California near Huntington Beach. This fully autonomous vehicle is designed to meet the growing demand for undersea operational awareness and payload delivery.
The Orca is set to transform naval capabilities. This vehicle is being made specifically to support the US Navy. The Orca can perform critical missions such as mine countermeasures, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, and strike missions, all with remarkable reliability and endurance. The Orca’s modular design, boasting a payload capacity of 2,456 cubic feet, allows it to carry up to 48 small-diameter UUVs or 115 UAVs, providing unparalleled flexibility for diverse mission requirements. As an unmanned system capable of independent operation for months, the Orca represents a significant leap in naval technology, promising to enhance operational efficiency and mission success without requiring direct human intervention.
Anheuser-Busch Invests $7 Million in Fairfield Brewery Enhancements

Anheuser-Busch Fairfield Brewery | Photo Courtesy of Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch has announced a significant $7 million investment in its Fairfield brewery, underscoring its commitment to quality and efficiency. The funds will be used for comprehensive facility improvements, including new roofing, equipment, lighting, and essential structural repairs. This investment aims to ensure the brewery continues to produce and distribute high-quality Anheuser-Busch beer efficiently.
The Fairfield location, brews over 20 of the company’s brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, and Big Wave, employs 254 full-time staff and has been operational since 1976.
Lance Hastings, president and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, supports the investment, highlighting its role in strengthening California’s job market and manufacturing sector saying, “Anheuser-Busch’s latest investment in Fairfield underscores their dedication to bolstering California’s job market and manufacturing sector. Through this financial commitment for the future, they’re not only revitalizing their infrastructure, but they’re also reinforcing Fairfield’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of their business.”
The Fairfield brewery’s enhancements will bolster Anheuser-Busch’s capabilities, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the company’s operations.
Coolest Thing Made in California Contest Nominations Open Monday, July 29
Excitement is building as the Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, powered by JPMorganChase. Starting Monday, July 29, the public can nominate their favorite products made in California. This contest celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of California’s manufacturing industry, allowing various products to compete for the title of the Coolest Thing Made in California. The contest promises to be fierce, as nominated products will go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year’s winner. Mark your calendars and get ready to support and showcase the incredible innovations emerging from the Golden State.
💡To learn more about CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, click here.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.