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 Technologies.

Central Valley’s Latest Game-Changing Workforce Development, FAME Program 

Industry leaders gathered for the 9th Annual San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Summit where the launch of FAME chapter was announced. Photo Courtesy of Frank Lopez

At the 9th Annual San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Summit, industry leaders celebrated the launch of California’s first Central Valley Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter. This employer-led program will provide hands-on training, technical education, and industry certifications to prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Lance Hastings, president and CEO of CMTA, described the program as a game-changing solution to the skills gap.  

“FAME is not just another training initiative, it’s a groundbreaking, employer-led program that closes the skills gap in manufacturing by training and equipping our next generation of professionals,” Hastings said.  

FAME will collaborate with local manufacturers and educational institutions to create a robust pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring a bright future for the San Joaquin Valley’s manufacturing sector. 

U.S. Department of Defense Investing in Biomanufacturing 

The Department of Defense announced the final nine awardees in its Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP), bringing the total to 34 recipients and over $60 million in funding. Among the awardees are several California-based companies, including Amyris, Checkerspot, EVERY Company, and Perfect Day.  

These firms will develop plans for domestic bioindustrial manufacturing facilities under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium agreement, with potential access to up to $100 million in additional funding. This initiative supports Executive Order 14081, which aims to strengthen America’s bioeconomy, advance biotechnology, and enhance national security through innovative biomanufacturing solutions. Learn more about it here.

Expansion of a California Defense Manufacturing and Design Engineering Center

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Defense

Pacific Defense, a leader in Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) products and mission solutions, is making waves in Silicon Valley. The company recently announced the expansion of its Manufacturing Operations and Design Engineering Center in Sunnyvale, California. 

The state-of-the-art, ISO 9001-certified facility now spans over 20,000 square feet, offering advanced capabilities in hardware design, engineering testing, software integration, and production. By integrating design engineering with manufacturing operations, Pacific Defense enhances collaboration across teams, accelerating the transition from product design to production. This expansion positions the company to meet growing domestic and international demand for cutting-edge modular defense solutions, reinforcing its leadership in the industry. 

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