Sacramento, Calif. – After more than 200,000 votes, the California-made X-59 built by Lockheed Martin in Palmdale has been crowned the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The annual statewide contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology...
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.
CMTA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Insights from Torani Leader
Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the meaningful impact, creativity, and guidance of Hispanic and Latino professionals across industries. In California’s diverse and evolving...
CMTA Announces 100% Success Against Breaker Bills in 2025 Legislative Session
Sacramento, Calif. (September 16, 2025) – Today, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association(CMTA) announced that it secured a 100% success rate on stopping all priority “Breaker” bills during the 2025 legislative session. CMTA also successfully advanced...
CMTA Opposes Secretive Cap-and-Trade Process
Sacramento, Calif. (September 8, 2025) – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced today that the state’s manufacturing sector is in strong opposition to any attempt to advance a cap-and-trade deal in the final days of the legislative...
Manufacturing in the News: August 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from August 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 Jet...
CMTA Names Nina Fisher as New Vice President of Communications
Sacramento, Calif. (September 2, 2025) – Today, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Nina Krishel Fisher as the organization’s new Vice President of Communications, aiming to strengthen the voice of California manufacturers at a...
Renowned Flavor Brand Torani Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has welcomed new member Torani to the organization. Founded in 1925, the globally recognized flavor company is known for its wide range of syrups and sauces. Torani has a rich...
Manufacturing in the News: July 2025
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...
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...
Press Release
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 series enabled local students, ranging from elementary school to college, to attend factory tours and presentations held at Fremont-based manufacturers, inspiring the next generation to explore careers in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Over 500 students from nine schools and universities participated in Manufacturing Week, which consisted of 16 tours hosted by 14 prominent companies from biomedical, cleantech, auto tech, electronics and semiconductor industries.
“I’m proud to have led eight Manufacturing Weeks, showcasing our city as the state’s advanced manufacturing hub. Each year, I gain a deeper appreciation for our manufacturing industry and its vital role in our economy,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei.
A Manufacturing Institute study estimates that by 2030, there could be up to 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the U.S. Manufacturing Week serves as a proactive step to meet the future workforce needs—solidifying Fremont’s position as an advanced manufacturing hub.
“With over 900 manufacturers in Fremont, we have a unique opportunity to inspire young minds. By engaging students in this industry, we not only ignite their interest but also help build a skilled workforce essential for driving future innovation and growth,” said Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the CMTA.
Additional information about Manufacturing Day can be found at https://mfgday.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 CMTA’s website.
About City of Fremont
Fremont is a hub for innovation – becoming home to various leading-edge industry clusters, including advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and life sciences. One of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the Bay Area, Fremont prides itself in its diversified, globally-connected economy. As the fourth largest city in the Bay Area with over 234,000 residents, businesses here are known to succeed, and residents and visitors experience high-quality lives, services, and programs from nationally-recognized high-ranking schools, 1,224 acres of well-kept parks, and 50 million square feet of flex industrial and R&D space, as well as a wide range of affordable housing options. Centrally located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fremont is conveniently served by two interstates, multiple rail transport lines including BART, and has easy access to three international airports, the Port of Oakland, and several major educational institutions, making it easy for the community to explore the abundant opportunities the Bay Area has to offer. For more information, visit the City of Fremont website.