From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard...
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.
Manufacturing in the News: May 2025
Scroll through CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news and updates from May 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...
Manufacturing Minute: Anheuser-Busch Invests $300M in U.S. Manufacturing
Anheuser-Busch is investing $300 million in U.S. manufacturing, continuing its 165-year legacy of American production. This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights how CMTA member companies Anheuser-Busch and John Deere, along with the Small Business Administration,...
Nationally Recognized Firm Eide Bailly Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Eide Bailly to the organization today. Eide Bailly is a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing leaders of all levels with solutions...
CMTA Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with Manufacturing Leaders
Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: AAPI Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to honor the vibrant contributions, innovation, and leadership of AAPI individuals across all industries. In California’s diverse and...
California-Made Gift Guide for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
California-Made Picks for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day With over 35,000 manufacturers across California, you're bound to find the perfect gift that’s thoughtful, high-quality, and locally made. This Mother’s and Father’s Day, surprise them with something...
J&J, Caterpillar Inc., and Novartis Invest in U.S. Manufacturing: Manufacturing Minute
This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights CMTA members leading the way with major investments and advancements in workforce development, U.S. manufacturing, and pharmaceutical innovation. https://youtu.be/jMnlk4-ZJrk Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in...
Manufacturing in the News: April 2025
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...
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...
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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