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
Tesla Model Y Wins Inaugural ‘Coolest Thing Made in California’ Competition

Sacramento, Calif. – The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived – in a thrilling conclusion to the “Coolest Thing Made in California” competition, Tesla’s Model Y emerged as the undisputed champion, solidifying its place as the pinnacle of California innovation. The announcement was made at the prestigious California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) MakingCA Conference on National Manufacturing Day.
The Coolest Thing Made in California competition, hosted by CMTA has been a celebration of the state’s unwavering spirit of innovation. Over the past four weeks, over 90,000 votes were counted from the public as the competition has captivated Californians and beyond, showcasing the remarkable products that define the Golden State’s inventive excellence.
“The first-ever Coolest Thing Made in California competition is a testament to the state’s innovation and diverse manufacturing industry,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “Tesla’s Model Y is a prime example of the groundbreaking work happening in California. Congratulations to Tesla and all the finalists for their remarkable contributions to our state’s economy.”
The Model Y, an all-electric compact SUV, represents the forefront of California’s technological prowess and commitment to sustainability. Tesla’s innovative electric vehicles have been at the forefront of the automotive industry’s transformation. The vehicle beat out Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s popcorn made in Sacramento, Millennium Space Systems’ Victus Nox made in El Segundo, and Northrop Grumman’s James Webb Space Telescope made in Redondo Beach.
California’s Lt. Governor presented the award on Friday.
“California is the birthplace of many iconic creations and groundbreaking technologies. From aerospace to agriculture, biotech to clean tech, entertainment to the internet and beyond, our state’s inventive spirit has left an incredible mark on the world,” said Lt. Governor Kounalakis.
The MakingCA Conference, held on National Manufacturing Day, was a fitting platform to announce the competition’s winner. This day not only celebrates the state’s manufacturing achievements but also underscores the vital role manufacturing plays in California’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP.
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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 CMTA’s website.