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...
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.
Global leader in launch and space systems Rocket Lab joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rocket Lab to the organization today. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, Rocket Lab is a space company that designs, manufactures, assembles,...
PG&E CEO Announced as Keynote Speaker at CMTA’s Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key developments shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation. https://youtu.be/mbhCd5z_rIA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual...
Voltek Ace Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Voltek Ace to the organization today. “Our small and medium-sized manufacturers make up a large sector of California’s economy, with 64% of the Golden State’s...
BlueForge Alliance and CommerceWest Bank Join CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, BlueForge Alliance (BFA) and CommerceWest Bank, to the organization today. “I am excited to welcome our two newest associate members to CMTA, both...
Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Giant Bosch Awarded $225M to Expand Northern California Facility
In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight exciting economic developments and California’s leadership in growing the manufacturing industry. https://youtu.be/mqoklWrZSgA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Bosch’s...
CMTA Hosts Manufacturing Roundtable with Senator Wahab in Fremont
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted a Manufacturers Roundtable with Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab in the City of Fremont. Wahab represents Senate District 10, covering the cities of Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Milpitas,...
California Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Presents from the Golden State
Celebrate the Holidays with California-Made Gifts The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting California’s vibrant manufacturing community. With over 34,000 manufacturers creating everything from handcrafted treasures...
CMTA Update: New 2025 Laws for California Manufacturers
Sacramento, Calif. – Hundreds of new California laws are about to go into effect starting January 1, 2025. As a Golden State manufacturer and employer, are you ready for the latest rules set on businesses? As a CMTA-member exclusive benefit, continue to read for new...
Nexamp Solar Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new associate member, Nexamp Solar, to the organization today. “I am honored to welcome our newest associate member to CMTA,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of...
Press Release
Manufacturing Minute: Northrop Grumman’s Historic Launch of its Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission in California

In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight three significant developments in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.
Northrop Grumman ASBM Constellation Launch

Photo Courtesy of Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman successfully launched Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) constellation onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The launch happened on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
This mission represents a historic collaboration between Space Norway and the U.S. Space Force, marking the first time an operational U.S. military payload has been hosted on an international commercial space mission. The ASBM constellation, consisting of two satellites in a highly elliptical orbit, will provide secure and reliable communications in the critical Arctic region, serving both commercial and military needs. This milestone reinforces Northrop Grumman’s leadership in satellite communications, with the ASBM being their 48th mission using GEOStar space vehicles.
Nikon’s California Manufacturing Center Supporting Aerospace Industries

Photo Courtesy of Nikon | Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California
Next, Nikon has made a notable advancement with the launch of its Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Long Beach, California. This 90,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to design and metal additive manufacturing services, catering to aviation, aerospace, and defense clients, as well as contract manufacturers. The center, which employs 52 staff members, also serves as the global headquarters for Nikon’s advanced manufacturing subsidiary.
Established in April 2023, this subsidiary oversees the scaling and management of Nikon’s additive manufacturing business. Later this year, Nikon SLM Solutions AG will open the Nikon SLM Solutions Studios at the center, integrating laser powder bed fusion technology and Nikon-developed 3D printing solutions to enhance metallurgy and metrology capabilities.
“Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest: Popular Round

CoolestThingCalifornia.com | Popular Round 8/19 – 8/22
Lastly, CMTA has kicked off its second annual “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest, featuring over 135 California-made products. This competition highlights the significant role of manufacturing in California’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP.
The public voting phase, known as the “Popular Round,” will take place from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22. During this period, members of the public can vote up to five times per day, per device, by visiting CoolestThingCalifornia.com. The Popular Round votes will determine the Top 16 products that will advance in the competition. Stay tuned!
💡To learn more about CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, click here.
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