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,...
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.
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...
Manufacturing Minute: Join Hundreds in Celebrating California’s Manufacturing Industry in 2025
This week’s Manufacturing Minute video takes a deep dive into two major events scheduled for March 2025, both designed to celebrate, connect, and inspire the manufacturing community. https://youtu.be/paCMajlLJVs Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the...
Manufacturing Minute: California’s Getting a New Manufacturing Jobs Training Program
This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights exciting advancements in workforce development, biomanufacturing, and defense technology. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool...
Press Release
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.
CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association is proud to welcome Patti Poppe, CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), as the keynote speaker for the CMTA Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting. With extensive leadership experience at CMS Energy, DTE Energy, and General Motors, Patti brings invaluable insights into the evolving energy landscape. Beyond her role at PG&E, she serves on multiple industry boards, shaping the future of energy and infrastructure.
This two-day event, taking place March 26-27, 2025, at the Parker Palm Springs, will bring together CMTA members, legislators, and business leaders to discuss the state of manufacturing in California. Patti will share her expertise on energy transformation and its impact on the industry, alongside other distinguished speakers addressing key trends and innovations shaping the sector.
Stratolaunch’s $24.7M Hypersonic Flight Agreement

Photo Courtesy of Stratolaunch
In another major aerospace industry development, CMTA member Stratolaunch has been awarded a $24.7 million competitive agreement by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to support national defense through a cutting-edge hypersonic flight mission.
This funding will enable modifications to Stratolaunch’s Spirit of Mojave 747 launch platform, expanding the reach of its reusable Talon-A hypersonic vehicle to global locations. Set for the fourth quarter of 2025, the test mission will enhance the United States’ ability to develop and refine missile defense systems against emerging hypersonic threats. Stratolaunch’s advancements in hypersonic technology reinforce its position as a leader in national security innovation.
ZM Trucks Announces First U.S. Manufacturing Plant

Photo courtesy of ZM Trucks
Rounding out this week’s news, ZM Trucks, North America’s newest zero-emissions commercial truck brand, has announced the establishment of its first North American manufacturing plant in Fontana, California.
This milestone also marks the relocation of its regional headquarters to the 210,000-square-foot facility, further cementing its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. The new plant will serve as the foundation for ZM Trucks’ U.S. operations, producing electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment. With production set to begin in the first half of 2025, ZM Trucks is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy transportation across the country.
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