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...
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: 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...
Leading Employer of People with Disabilities Joins CMTA
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...
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
16 Products Advance in CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase
Voting to eliminate eight products begins Monday, August 26
Sacramento, Calif. – Almost 85,000 votes later, 16 products advanced and will go head-to-head, competing for the title of the “Coolest Thing Made in California.”
Over 135 products were nominated for the 2nd annual contest hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) and powered by JPMorganChase. Voting to narrow down the contest into the “Top 8” products will occur from Monday, August 26 to Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Sacramento Region Manufacturers in the Contest:
- Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s Chocolate Drizzle Caramel Corn Made in Sacramento
- Ginger Elizabeth’s Artisan Chocolates Made in Sacramento
Bay Area Manufacturers in the Contest:
- GILLIG’s Battery Electric Bus Made in Livermore
- Hydrogen Sports’ Proton Ball Machine Made in Santa Clara
- Pivotal’s Helix Personal eVTOL Aircraft Made in Palo Alto
- Zoox’s Robotaxi Made in Fremont
Los Angeles Area Manufacturers in the Contest:
- Lockheed Martin’s X-59 Made in Palmdale
- Phenix Technology’s First Due Firefighting Helmet Made in Riverside
- Ryvid’s Anthem Electric Motorcycle Made in San Bernadino
- Boeing’s Orca – XLUUV (Extra Large, Uncrewed, Undersea Vehicle) Made in Huntington Beach
- Magnuson Superchargers’ 2024 Mustang Magnuson Supercharger Made in Ventura
- Northrop Grumman’s World’s Fastest Microchip Made in Redondo Beach
San Diego Manufacturers in the Contest:
- Amai Inc.’s Edible Cups Made in Carlsbad
- Truvian’s Automated Benchtop Blood Testing Analyzer Made in San Diego
Central Coast Manufacturers in the Contest:
- Joby’s S4 Made in Marina
Mojave Manufacturers in the Contest:
- Stratolaunch’s Talon-A Hypersonic Testbed Made in Mojave
Hosted by the CMTA, the “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in California’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP with its 30,000 manufacturers. The competition aims to highlight the remarkable products that have originated from the diverse and dynamic landscape of California.
Top 16 Voting Round Details:
- Voting Method: Visit our official website here and follow the simple steps to cast your votes for your favorite product.
- Voting Impact: The top 16 round votes will determine which products move on to the Top 8 bracket.
Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:
- Top 16 Round Voting: Aug. 26-29
- Top 8 Round Voting: Sept. 2-5
- Top 4 Round Voting: Sept. 9-12
- Winner Announced: Oct. 18 at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference during Manufacturing Month
For more information about the contest, please visit CoolestThingCalifornia.com.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.