Why CMTA Membership Is Essential for California Manufacturers Since 1918, CMTA has been dedicated to creating an environment where California manufacturers can thrive, not just survive. Membership provides manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, support, and...
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 Elects New Board Officers
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced the election of new officers within its Board of Directors, underscoring the organization’s commitment to strong leadership representing California’s diverse manufacturing...
Proposed LA Stormwater Permit Could Cost Businesses $325,000 Per Acre
CMTA Sounds the Alarm on the Unclear and Unaffordable Mandate Los Angeles, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is urging the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to halt consideration of a costly and poorly...
Manufacturing in the News: October 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from October 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 Lockheed...
Experimental Jet Wins 2025 Coolest Thing Made in California Contest
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...
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...
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.