Scroll through CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news and updates from April 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 & 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.
First Major Tankless Brand Assembled in U.S. Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rinnai to the organization. Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974. With a global perspective to...
Manufacturing Minute: California’s First New Steel Mill in 50 Years Begins Construction
This week's Manufacturing Minute brings attention to significant developments in steel manufacturing, electrical products, and workers' compensation solutions for California manufacturers. https://youtu.be/8VbyGGXGdgk Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in...
Porsche Consulting Joins CMTA’s Member Network
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Porsche Consulting to the organization in March. The consulting firm is a leading management consultancy from Germany with offices located around the world. It...
Schneider Electric Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Schneider Electric to the organization today. Schneider Electric is a global industrial technology leader and a powerhouse of energy distribution, industrial...
Largest Flexible Packaging Manufacturer for Produce Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Emerald Packaging to the organization today. For 60 years, Emerald Packaging has been reinventing produce packaging and is the largest flexible packaging...
As Seen On TV: Women in Manufacturing California-Made Products
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,...
Leading Developer in Energy Storage Solutions Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent) to the organization today. Convergent is a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America. The...
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...
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.