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 Martin’s X-59 Makes Historic First Flight in California
CMTA board member company Lockheed Martin announced that the X‑59, an experimental supersonic aircraft developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility, completed its maiden flight at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. This flight marked a major step in transitioning from ground testing to airborne operations. The mission aims to advance quiet-supersonic technology and pave the way for overland supersonic commercial flight.
CalPortland’s Oro Grande and Mojave Plants Honored with Award
CMTA board member company CalPortland was recognized with the American Cement Association’s 2025 Chairman’s Safety Performance Award at two of their California plants—in Oro Grande and Mojave. This accolade honors cement plants nationwide that demonstrate exceptional safety performance, ranking among the top 10% based on low incident rates of accidents and injuries.
SK Pharmteco Invests $6.1 Million in California Manufacturing Facility
SK Pharmteco announced a $6.1 million investment to expand its Rancho Cordova, California, facility with new lab and kilo-scale capabilities. This expansion aims to meet the rising demand for U.S.-based peptide development and manufacturing. The new lab is scheduled to come online in January 2026, with the kilo-scale facility expected in the second half of 2026.
Read more from BioPharm International
Battery‑Technology Company Sparkz Moves to Sacramento
Sparkz announced it is relocating its headquarters to Sacramento while planning large‑scale manufacturing in the area. The move aims to leverage the region’s workforce and infrastructure as the company expands its production of advanced energy‑storage technology.
Read more from Sacramento Business Journal
Manufacturing Industry Policy
California Extends Clean Energy Incentives to Boost Manufacturing
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 86, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney, extending California’s clean energy tax incentive program through 2028. The legislation expands eligibility to include fusion energy technologies, aiming to bolster green manufacturing and job creation.
Read more from the Office of Senator McNerney
Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill Targeting PFAS
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have phased out PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in nonstick cookware, food packaging, cleaning products, and items for infants and children. He cited concerns about the potential impact on the availability of affordable cooking products.
Governor Newsom Invests $30 Million in Apprenticeships
Governor Gavin Newsom announced $30 million in awards benefiting 70 apprenticeship programs and more than 11,000 apprentices, earning an average of $50.29 per hour, in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health care, and education.