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. 

Cal EPIC Joins CMTA’s Growing Statewide Manufacturing Network

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Cal EPIC to the organization today. Cal EPIC works to accelerate research and development of next-generation energy and transportation technology. Through the...

Manufacturing in the News: November 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from November 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   Governor...

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Support California Makers

2025 California-Made Holiday Gift Guide    Celebrate the season with gifts made by California’s most innovative manufacturers. From handcrafted treats to cutting-edge creations, these products showcase the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship that make...

4 Ways CMTA Helps Manufacturers Compete in California

Why CMTA Membership Is Essential for California Manufacturers   Since 1918, CMTA has been dedicated to creating an environment where California manufacturers can thrive, not just survive. Membership provides manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, support, and...

CMTA Elects New Board Officers

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced the election of new officers within its Board of Directors, underscoring the organization’s commitment to strong leadership representing California’s diverse manufacturing...

Proposed LA Stormwater Permit Could Cost Businesses $325,000 Per Acre

CMTA Sounds the Alarm on the Unclear and Unaffordable Mandate   Los Angeles, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is urging the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to halt consideration of a costly and poorly...

Manufacturing in the News: October 2025

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...

Experimental Jet Wins 2025 Coolest Thing Made in California Contest

Sacramento, Calif. – After more than 200,000 votes, the California-made X-59 built by Lockheed Martin in Palmdale has been crowned the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The annual statewide contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology...

CMTA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Insights from Torani Leader

Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: Hispanic Heritage Month   Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the meaningful impact, creativity, and guidance of Hispanic and Latino professionals across industries. In California’s diverse and evolving...

Press Release

Leading Employer of People with Disabilities Joins CMTA

Nov 19, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member PRIDE Industries to the organization today. With a mission to create lasting employment for people with disabilities, PRIDE Industries is one of the most successful social enterprises in the U.S., providing facilities management and electronics manufacturing services. The company is the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, including veterans and former foster youth.

“PRIDE Industries is an exceptional addition to CMTA’s membership, and I am thrilled to welcome them to the association,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA’s President & CEO. “Manufacturers across California are looking toward strong workforce development avenues, and PRIDE Industries’ commitment to creating meaningful career pathways and delivering high-quality products strengthens our state. I look forward to working together to advance opportunity and competitiveness across the industry.”

“PRIDE Industries is excited to join CMTA and collaborate with leaders shaping the future of California manufacturing,” said Tony Lopez, Vice President of Manufacturing & Logistics Services at PRIDE Industries. “With decades of hands-on experience in precision manufacturing and industrial operations across the state, we bring proven expertise in delivering high-quality, scalable solutions. As a social enterprise, we’re committed to driving innovation and inclusion—strengthening California’s manufacturing sector while creating pathways for diverse talent and sustainable growth.”

With headquarters and a facility in Roseville, PRIDE Industries provides competitive business services across California and the nation. Today, PRIDE Industries has approximately 4,000 employees, including almost 2,000 employees with disabilities, contributing at more than 172 worksites throughout the U.S.

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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.

About PRIDE Industries
Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries is one of the most successful social enterprises in the United States. By providing award-winning facilities management and manufacturing services, PRIDE Industries has grown to become the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, including veterans and former foster youth. Today, PRIDE Industries has approximately 4,000 employees, including nearly 2,000 employees with disabilities, at more than 172 worksites throughout the country, with an annual revenue of $483 million for 2024.

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