Read CMTA’s round-up of manufacturing news from December 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
Wisk Completes First Flight of Generation 6 Autonomous eVTOL
Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of CMTA board member company Boeing, completed the first flight of its Generation 6 autonomous eVTOL aircraft in California. The milestone marks progress toward certifying the first autonomous passenger-carrying eVTOL in the U.S. and advances Wisk’s ongoing work with the FAA.
Trump Administration to Take $150M Stake in Chip Startup
The Trump administration has agreed to invest up to $150 million in xLight, a semiconductor startup developing free-electron laser technology to advance U.S. chip manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Commerce signed a preliminary letter of intent to provide the funding in exchange for an equity stake, supporting efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor innovation and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Boeing Completes Acquisition of Key Supplier
Photo Courtesy: Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle via AP, Fil
Boeing, a CMTA board member company, has completed its $4.7 billion purchase of Spirit AeroSystems, the supplier that builds fuselages and parts for Boeing’s 737 Max jetliners. The deal brings Boeing’s largest provider of spare parts in-house as the company continues efforts to strengthen quality and oversight across its manufacturing operations.
Torani Celebrates 100 Years with Record Growth
Torani, a CMTA member company located in San Leandro, CA, is marking its 100th anniversary with record double-digit growth. Torani plans to add 105 new employees in 2026 and continues to invest in technology and programs that create meaningful career pathways, upskill workers, and support local communities across 30 countries.
Alef Aeronautics Starts Production for Flying Car
Alef Aeronautics, a manufacturer in San Mateo, CA, has started production on its Model A Ultralight, a “drive-and-fly” vehicle designed to lift off roads and soar over traffic. The company will provide the first vehicles to a select group of early customers for real-world testing, combining robotic and hand-built manufacturing to refine operations ahead of wider rollout.
Manufacturing Industry Policy
California Pauses Enforcement of New Climate Disclosure Rules
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued guidance confirming a pause on the enforcement of Senate Bill 261 following a federal appeals court injunction. The law, which requires large businesses in California to publicly disclose climate-related financial risks, will not be enforced against companies missing the Jan. 1, 2026, reporting deadline.
Read more from the Manufacturing Dive
U.S. House Advances SBA Loan Expansion for Manufacturers
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, which doubles the Small Business Administration’s loan limit for domestic manufacturers from $5 million to $10 million. The bill is designed to unlock more capital for small manufacturers to buy machinery, expand facilities, upgrade equipment, and scale production, and now advances to the Senate for consideration.