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 Pacific and Norfolk Southern Plan America’s First Transcontinental Freight Railroad
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a $72 billion merger to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. This would connect 50,000 route miles across 43 states, and link approximately 100 ports. If approved, this would be one of the largest rail mergers in the nation’s history. U.S. freight railroads play a critical role in America’s economy, transporting autos, retail goods, food products, raw materials, and parts needed to run American manufacturing facilities.
Joby Aviation to Expand Marina Production Site
The company specializes in developing electric air taxis for commercial passengers and aims to double its aircraft production capacity at the existing Marina, CA facility. With the expansion, the site now spams 435,500 square feet and is expected to produce up to 24 aircraft per year once fully operational. Joby Aviation also expanded its flight test program.
Silicon Valley AI Leader Nvidia Reaches $4 Trillion Valuation
The chipmaking company became the first publicly traded company to briefly surpass a $4 trillion market valuation. This achievement underscores the boom of artificial intelligence and industry-leading processors. Based in Santa Clara, CA, the company is part of the Silicon Valley’s robust manufacturing and technology sector.
Read more from Associated Press
General Motors and Redwood Materials Pursue Use of U.S.-Manufactured Batteries
CMTA board member company General Motors (GM) signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Redwood Materials with the goal of advancing distribution of energy storage systems using batteries made in the U.S. With the U.S. electricity demand continuing to grow, this is another step toward furthering GM’s advanced battery technology beyond EVs.
California Forever Proposes Largest Advanced Manufacturing Park in the U.S.
California Forever, a development group backed by Silicon Valley investors, announced plans to build the Solano Foundry, a project they say will be the largest advanced manufacturing park in the country. The foundry would be part of the group’s proposed new city in rural Solano County. California Forever currently owns more than 100 square miles of land in the area.
Manufacturing Industry Policy
Governor Newsom Announces “California Breakthrough Project” to Engage Tech Companies
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new initiative, titled the “California Breakthrough Project” to convene leaders from the state’s top tech companies. The group will collaborate with state agencies to find opportunities to improve government operations. According to Forbes, California is home to 32 out of the top 50 AI companies globally.