Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from July 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 Union...
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 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...
CMTA Announces 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest
CMTA presents the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in California award to Northrop Grumman, for the world’s fastest microchip, on October 18, 2024 Sacramento, Calif. – California is home to the world’s fastest microchip, zero-emission supercars, and now, the search is on to...
Trusted Cybersecurity and Compliance Company Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity...
Three29 Joins CMTA to Help Manufacturers Integrate AI Efficiency
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Three29 to the organization today. Three29 is a fully integrated, conversion-first agency specializing in helping manufacturing and construction companies. The...
Manufacturing in the News: June 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from June 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 New Fire...
Global Technology Leader Hitachi Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Hitachi to the organization today. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in digital innovation and sustainable solutions, with operations in various industries...
Manufacturing Minute: Amazon Opens New Zoox Robotaxi Factory in California
From electric robotaxis in the Bay Area to expanded aerial intelligence in Southern California, this week’s Manufacturing Minute, powered by Tri Tool Technologies, spotlights the latest wave of innovation shaping U.S. manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute...
CMTA Lands at the Paris Air Show
CMTA is at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting California’s vital role in the international aerospace industry. See our live updates!
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch Achieves Hypersonic Flight Milestone in California
From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard...
Press Release
Voting Starts for the Coolest Thing Made in California Competition
Sacramento, CA – Hundreds of California-made products have been nominated to the Coolest Thing Made in California competition, now it’s time to let the public decide which innovative product will secure a spot in the highly anticipated Top 16 bracket. From Monday, September 4 to 8, members of the public will have the chance to cast their votes five times per day in the Popular Round.
Hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the Coolest Thing Made in California competition aims to celebrate the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the Golden State. California boasts 30,000 manufacturers and 1.3 million employees that contribute $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP. The competition highlights the remarkable products that have originated from the diverse and dynamic landscape of California.
Popular Round Details:
- Voting Open: September 4-8
- Voting Limit: The public can vote up to 5 times per day.
- Voting Method: Visit our official website CoolestThingCalifornia.com and follow the simple steps to cast your votes for your favorite product.
- Voting Impact: The popular round votes will determine which products move on to the Top 8 bracket.
- Winners: After weekly elimination rounds, the winner will be announced at the MakingCA Conference hosted by CMTA on National Manufacturing Day, October 6.
Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:
- Popular Vote: Sept. 4-8
- Top 16 Vote: Sept. 11-14
- Top 8 Vote: Sept. 18-21
- Top 4 Vote: Sept. 25-28
- Winner Announced: Oct. 6, National Manufacturing Day
For more information, updates and to participate in the contest, please visit coolestthingcalifornia.com.
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About CMTA:
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians, paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit the CMTA website.