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. 

Fourth-Generation Walnut Manufacturer Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly welcomes Grower Direct Nut Co., a leader in the walnut industry with a rich history in sustainable farming and innovative processing techniques, as a new member of the...

PG&E and Acena Consulting Join CMTA as Associate Members

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to welcome two new associate members, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Acena Consulting to the association. Both companies bring significant expertise that...

CMTA Sponsors City of Fremont’s 13th Annual Manufacturing Week

Fremont, Calif. – In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 4, the City of Fremont hosted its 13th annual celebration of Manufacturing Week from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14. Sponsored by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the weeklong...

2024 MakingCA Conference Recap

Innovation in Manufacturing: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition & Technology 100 people joined CMTA to celebrate California’s 30,000 manufacturers during the 2nd Annual MakingCA Conference on Friday, October, 18, 2024. Speakers included CEO of People’s First Beef...

Press Release

Top Eight Announced in CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase

Aug 30, 2024

Voting to eliminate four products begins Monday, Sept. 2, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – The bracket is narrowing for the “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), and eight products have racked up thousands of votes to move on to the next round of voting.

Over 100,000 votes came in during the Top 16 Round of the contest powered by JPMorganChase. Voting to narrow down the contest into the “Top 4” products will occur from Monday, Sept. 2 to Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

In this next round, Lockheed Martin will face Phenix Technology Inc., Stratolaunch will face Northrop Grumman, Pivotal will face Ryvid, and Zoox will face Amai Inc.

Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:

  • Top 8 Voting Round: Sept. 2-5
  • Top 4 Voting Round: Sept. 9-12
  • Winner Announced: Oct. 18 at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference during Manufacturing Month

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.

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.

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