California-made products were recently featured on ABC10, CBS Sacramento, and Fox40, highlighting the creativity and innovation driving the state’s manufacturing industry. These TV segments lead up to CMTA’s 4th Annual Women MakingCA Conference on Thursday, March 13,...
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 Black History Month by Exploring Current and Past Innovators of Manufacturing
In honor of Black History Month, we're highlighting the lasting contributions of African American leaders in manufacturing. These trailblazers broke racial barriers and shaped the modern manufacturing landscape through their innovation and resilience. Their legacies...
Tesla Prepares for Optimus Bot Production in California: Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key advancements in robotics, aerospace, and AI-driven manufacturing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmJpn0xrMjQ Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Tesla's Optimus Bot...
Global leader in launch and space systems Rocket Lab joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rocket Lab to the organization today. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, Rocket Lab is a space company that designs, manufactures, assembles,...
PG&E CEO Announced as Keynote Speaker at CMTA’s Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key developments shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation. https://youtu.be/mbhCd5z_rIA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual...
Voltek Ace Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Voltek Ace to the organization today. “Our small and medium-sized manufacturers make up a large sector of California’s economy, with 64% of the Golden State’s...
BlueForge Alliance and CommerceWest Bank Join CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, BlueForge Alliance (BFA) and CommerceWest Bank, to the organization today. “I am excited to welcome our two newest associate members to CMTA, both...
Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Giant Bosch Awarded $225M to Expand Northern California Facility
In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight exciting economic developments and California’s leadership in growing the manufacturing industry. https://youtu.be/mqoklWrZSgA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Bosch’s...
CMTA Hosts Manufacturing Roundtable with Senator Wahab in Fremont
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted a Manufacturers Roundtable with Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab in the City of Fremont. Wahab represents Senate District 10, covering the cities of Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Milpitas,...
California Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Presents from the Golden State
Celebrate the Holidays with California-Made Gifts The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting California’s vibrant manufacturing community. With over 34,000 manufacturers creating everything from handcrafted treasures...
Press Release
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 association.
“Grower Direct Nut Co. focuses on quality, sustainability, and innovation, which aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen California’s manufacturing sector,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “We look forward to supporting their growth and continued success as a family-owned maker.”
Grower Direct Nut Co. processes conventional and organic California walnuts, serving a wide range of markets from industrial food processors to retailers. As a fourth-generation family-owned business, they are committed to producing high-quality walnut products and maintaining strong ties with the agricultural community.
“We are very excited to be joining CMTA and look forward to the robust network of industry peers and resources fostering collaboration and innovation in manufacturing technologies,” said Aaron Martella, President of Grower Direct Nut Co. “We are excited to take advantage of the educational and training opportunities that can enhance workforce skills, driving efficiency and productivity in our company.”
The walnut manufacturer is one of the first growers and packers to develop and market seasoned walnuts and butters. The company also has one of the largest walnut huller and dehydrators in California, with the most modern technology in the industry.
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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.
About Grower Direct Nut Co.
Grower Direct Nut Co. is a fourth-generation family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of California walnuts. We process in-shell, shelled, and diced conventional and organic walnuts which supply industrial food processors, re-baggers, retailers, and produce markets worldwide. Our vertical integration from field to market allows us to produce safe and high-quality walnut products. We proudly stand behind our services and our products, assuring consistency, reliability, and outstanding quality.