Economic Development

California manufacturers have been at the forefront of global leadership and innovation. Our member companies look to continue partnering with policymakers to implement pro-growth strategies in California and support creating statewide plans that incentivize investments and employment. 

Press Releases

Manufacturing Minute: California Selected as First State for Hydrogen Energy Hub Federal Funding

Manufacturing Minute: California Selected as First State for Hydrogen Energy Hub Federal Funding

This week’s Manufacturing Minute brings three exciting updates in the world of manufacturing and technology. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies. 

Watch the latest episode in the video player above. 

 

California Picked as the First State to Receive Funds For a Hydrogen Hub 

 

A 2021 Toyota Prius that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell. | Photo Courtesy of David Zalubowski

California is set to become the first state to receive federal funds under a new program aimed at creating regional networks, or “hubs,” for hydrogen production. The U.S. Department of Energy announced that the California Hydrogen Hub will receive an initial $30 million for its planning and design phase, with up to $1.2 billion allocated for the project’s full implementation.  

This initiative is part of the Biden Administration’s broader agenda to combat climate change by promoting clean hydrogen as a key energy source for vehicles, manufacturing, and electricity generation. These hydrogen hubs, spanning 16 states, are expected to attract over $40 billion in private investment and create tens of thousands of well-paying jobs, contributing significantly to the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

 

Coolest Thing Made in California Contest

 

CMTA’s Vice President of Communications, Ananda Rochita, on CBS GoodDay Sacramento

Next, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has been actively promoting its 2nd Annual “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest, powered by JPMorganChase. CMTA has been on several TV stations, including KCRA 3, ABC10, CBS GoodDay Sacramento, and Fox 40. The contest, which opened for nominations on July 29, will close on August 8, followed by a popular vote from August 12-15.  

This exciting competition showcases the innovative spirit of California’s manufacturing sector, culminating in the announcement of the winner on October 18 at the CMTA’s MakingCA Conference. The contest aims to highlight and celebrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of California manufacturers, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for the industry’s contributions to the state’s economy.  

💡To learn more about CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, click here. 

 

Developing New Aerospace Advancements in Kern County  

 

Photo Courtesy of NASA | Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center

Lastly, significant legislative progress has been made with the inclusion of an amendment proposed by California Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024.  

This amendment authorizes the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics (MACH) Program at NASA, which is designed to enhance scientific research and support high-speed flight technologies. The MACH Program will be developed locally at NASA Armstrong and in East Kern County, bolstering America’s leadership in aerospace innovation.  

This development also aligns with the broader goals of the NASA Reauthorization Act, which allocates $25.2 billion to support initiatives such as the Artemis Program and Moon to Mars Program, furthering human space exploration and strengthening the aerospace industry. CMTA member Stratolaunch, a key player in aerospace vehicle and technology development, will benefit from this legislative support, driving forward advancements in hypersonic research and development. 

 

Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media. 

Manufacturing Minute: Boeing is Building Autonomous Undersea Vehicles for the U.S. Navy in California

Manufacturing Minute: Boeing is Building Autonomous Undersea Vehicles for the U.S. Navy in California

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights impressive developments happening in California from two of CMTA’s Board Member companies. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.

Watch the latest episode in the video player above. 

 

Boeing’s Orca XLUUV is leading innovation in Undersea Operations

 

Boeing Orca XLUUV | Photo Courtesy of USNI News

Boeing’s Orca XLUUV, an autonomous extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle, is being made in California near Huntington Beach. This fully autonomous vehicle is designed to meet the growing demand for undersea operational awareness and payload delivery.  

The Orca is set to transform naval capabilities. This vehicle is being made specifically to support the US Navy. The Orca can perform critical missions such as mine countermeasures, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, and strike missions, all with remarkable reliability and endurance. The Orca’s modular design, boasting a payload capacity of 2,456 cubic feet, allows it to carry up to 48 small-diameter UUVs or 115 UAVs, providing unparalleled flexibility for diverse mission requirements. As an unmanned system capable of independent operation for months, the Orca represents a significant leap in naval technology, promising to enhance operational efficiency and mission success without requiring direct human intervention. 

Anheuser-Busch Invests $7 Million in Fairfield Brewery Enhancements

 

Anheuser-Busch Fairfield Brewery | Photo Courtesy of Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch has announced a significant $7 million investment in its Fairfield brewery, underscoring its commitment to quality and efficiency. The funds will be used for comprehensive facility improvements, including new roofing, equipment, lighting, and essential structural repairs. This investment aims to ensure the brewery continues to produce and distribute high-quality Anheuser-Busch beer efficiently.  

The Fairfield location, brews over 20 of the company’s brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, and Big Wave, employs 254 full-time staff and has been operational since 1976.  

Lance Hastings, president and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, supports the investment, highlighting its role in strengthening California’s job market and manufacturing sector saying, “Anheuser-Busch’s latest investment in Fairfield underscores their dedication to bolstering California’s job market and manufacturing sector. Through this financial commitment for the future, they’re not only revitalizing their infrastructure, but they’re also reinforcing Fairfield’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of their business.” 

The Fairfield brewery’s enhancements will bolster Anheuser-Busch’s capabilities, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the company’s operations. 

Coolest Thing Made in California Contest Nominations Open Monday, July 29 

 

Excitement is building as the Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, powered by JPMorganChase. Starting Monday, July 29, the public can nominate their favorite products made in California. This contest celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of California’s manufacturing industry, allowing various products to compete for the title of the Coolest Thing Made in California. The contest promises to be fierce, as nominated products will go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year’s winner. Mark your calendars and get ready to support and showcase the incredible innovations emerging from the Golden State.  

💡To learn more about CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest, click here. 

 

Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media. 

Manufacturing Minute: Boeing Subsidiary Leads Development of Space Defense Satellites

Manufacturing Minute: Boeing Subsidiary Leads Development of Space Defense Satellites

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights groundbreaking advancements from our CMTA members, showcasing their commitment to innovation. Manufacturing Minute is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.

Watch the latest episode in the video player above. 

 

Boeing Subsidiary to Spearhead Space Defense Satellites 

Courtesy of Millennium Space Systems

CMTA Board member Boeing has announced a significant milestone with its subsidiary, Millennium Space Systems, securing a $413 million contract from the Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract will aid Millennium in the development of the Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter) system, a constellation of satellites designed to provide fire-control quality sensing against emerging threats. This advanced system will deliver high-fidelity data for tracking and targeting, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of missile defense systems and reinforcing Boeing’s role in advancing national security capabilities.  

Stratolaunch’s Roc Carrier Plane’s New Flight Capabilities 

Courtesy of Stratolaunch

Another exciting development, CMTA member Stratolaunch, has successfully completed a series of flight tests for Roc, the world’s largest flying aircraft and the company’s primary air-launch platform. Conducted from mid-May to mid-June, these flights culminated in achieving a new operational altitude of 35,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.63. These tests are crucial for optimizing future Talon-A mission operations, aiming for sustained hypersonic flight. Earlier this year, Stratolaunch completed its first successful powered flight of the Talon-A1 (TA-1) vehicle, reaching high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5. By enhancing Roc’s operational altitude, Stratolaunch is set to achieve higher speeds and extended time on condition for Talon-A, marking a significant leap in hypersonic flight capabilities.

Takeda’s $230 Million Manufacturing Expansion 

Courtesy of Takeda

Lastly, CMTA member Takeda has announced a major expansion of its plasma-derived therapies (PDT) production capacity at its Los Angeles site. This expansion, one of Takeda’s largest single investments in manufacturing capacity, underscores the company’s dedication to better-serving patients and fostering sustainable growth within the local community. The $230 million investment will significantly increase the site’s production capacity, making it Takeda’s largest fractionation site globally. Additionally, this project will create over 125 new positions, further bolstering the local economy and demonstrating Takeda’s commitment to innovation and community development. 

Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media. 

CMTA Government Relations Update: A Recently Expired California Incentive Program May be Reestablished

This month’s Government Relations Update video highlights crucial legislative developments for California’s manufacturing sector. 
The California Legislative Summer Recess is approaching on July 3, 2024. This date marks the deadline for policy committees to meet and report bills, after which the State Legislature will take a break and reconvene on August 5, 2024.  

AB 2922 (Garcia), a CMTA Maker Bill, is aimed at revitalizing the recently expired Capital Investment Incentive Program. If successful, this bill will extend the program until January 1, 2035, providing financial incentives to attract qualified manufacturers to California. AB 2922 promotes economic growth, job creation, and regional development by allowing counties and cities to offer tax benefits to manufacturers with significant capital investments. This bill has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee and represents a substantial opportunity for the state’s manufacturing sector to continue to thrive. 

Learn more about CMTA’s bills here. 

Do you want to get exclusive government relations insights from CMTA?  📲 Reach out to members@cmta.net.

Manufacturing Minute: Tandem PV Awarded $4.7 Million to Advance New Solar Technology

In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight three significant developments in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Minute is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.

U.S. Department of Energy Awards CMTA Member, Tandem PV, with New Funding 

 

Courtesy of Tandem PV

CMTA member Tandem PV, a leader in perovskite solar technology, has been awarded $4.7 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). This funding will support the commercialization of Tandem PV’s innovative thin-film solar photovoltaic technology. Combining conventional silicon solar cells with perovskite materials allows Tandem PV panels to achieve up to 40% more power than traditional panels. The Silicon Valley company is currently producing panels with 26% efficiency. The company’s technology promises to lower installation and land acquisition costs, making solar energy more affordable and efficient for consumers.  

CMTA Board Member, Boeing’s, Huge Milestone  

 

Courtesy of Boeing

First, CMTA board member company, Boeing, successfully launched its first crewed flight test of the Starliner mission, marking a decade-long milestone. Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on this mission, riding the Starliner capsule to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024. After separating from its rocket stages, the spacecraft entered orbit and began its 24-hour journey to the ISS. This mission is essential as it works towards NASA’s certification of the Starliner for routine astronaut missions.

2024 MakingCA Conference Call for Speakers 

 

2023 MakingCA Conference Keynote Speaker Eric Edelson, Fireclay Tile

We are excited to announce that CMTA is seeking speakers and panelists for the 2nd Annual MakingCA Conference in October. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which attracted nearly 150 business leaders, manufacturing employees, advocates, and partners, this year’s conference promises to be even more impactful. Interested individuals can apply by filling out the form here, with a submission deadline of August 20, 2024. The conference also features the recognition of the “Coolest Thing Made in California” competition winner. Selected speakers will receive complimentary registration and extensive promotion across CMTA’s platforms. 

Learn more about our upcoming MakingCA Conference here. 

 

Manufacturing Minute: SF State Receives A $14 Million Grant from The Genentech Foundation

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights three significant advancements that are shaping the industry’s future. Manufacturing Minute is powered by Tri Tool Technologies.

 

$14 Million STEM Grant to San Francisco State 

Courtesy of San Francisco State University

First, San Francisco State University has received a generous $14 million grant from CMTA board member Genentech. The Genentech Foundation is supporting underrepresented students in STEM and to enhance its life sciences programs. This new five-year funding builds on a longstanding partnership that has already provided over $33 million, benefiting more than 700 students since 2008. With this latest support, an additional 350 students will receive scholarships, research opportunities, and career prep. Not only does this grant from Genentech support SF State’s students, but it will support California’s life sciences sector and boost the state’s manufacturing capabilities in the long run. 

Amazon’s Electric Trucks in California

Courtesy of Amazon

In a significant move towards sustainability, Amazon is deploying 50 Volvo VNR Electric trucks in California, marking its largest rollout of heavy-duty electric vehicles. This fleet, including a dozen trucks for drayage operations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, aims to reduce Amazon’s carbon footprint as the state transitions to zero-emission vehicles. With a range of 275 miles and a gross combination weight of 82,000 pounds, these electric trucks are set to revolutionize heavy-duty trucking. Udit Madan, VP of Worldwide Amazon Operations, expressed excitement about this initiative, emphasizing the importance of decarbonizing the challenging sector of heavy-duty transportation. 

Webinar for Manufacturers Navigating AI

Lastly, CMTA is hosting an exclusive FREE webinar presented by Hitachi Digital Services, focusing on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Led by Dr. Chetan Gupta, Hitachi R&D’s head of AI research, this webinar will delve into how AI is revolutionizing the industry through applications in predictive maintenance, quality control, energy management, and more. This is a rare opportunity to gain insights into leveraging AI to enhance operations, identify high-impact use cases, and develop a successful AI strategy. Seize this chance to lead your team into a new era of manufacturing excellence.

Click HERE to Register today for FREE

CMTA Government Relations Update: California’s Manufacturers May Lose a Major Training Program

This month’s Government Relations Update video highlights crucial legislative developments for California’s manufacturing sector. 
Both the Assembly and Senate have a huge deadline on Friday, May 24, 2024, to pass bills introduced in their house of origin. In the days leading up to this deadline, both houses are intensively reviewing and voting on various bills. This legislative activity is critical for manufacturers to monitor, as the outcomes will shape the regulatory and operational landscape for the sector. 

A significant point of concern for California’s manufacturing industry is Senate Bill 1321, spearheaded by Senator Aisha Wahab. This bill proposes an overhaul of the Employment Training Panel (ETP), which has been instrumental in providing workforce development funding. The ETP has allocated over $26.7 million, benefiting more than 37,000 employees in the manufacturing sector. However, the proposed changes threaten to dismantle this vital program, jeopardizing sustainable jobs and career pathways. The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) identifies this bill as a Manufacturing Breaker Bill as it is a potential disruptor to the stability and growth of the industry. 

Another concerning bill for California’s manufacturers is Assembly Bill 2083, led by Assemblymember Marc Berman, which mandates the California Energy Commission to assess the feasibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial heat applications by 85% below 1990 levels by 2045. While the bill aims for significant environmental advancements, its current form is flawed due to its narrow focus on zero-emission and electrified equipment, excluding more cost-effective and technologically viable alternatives like hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. AB 2083 is an attempt to force the California industry away from natural gas in a manner that is not cost-effective or technologically possible at this time. Cost is even more concerning given that the legislature is considering eliminating R&D tax credits and minimizing the Net operating losses for businesses as part of the budget due to California’s most recent updated budget announcement. CMTA identifies AB 2083 as a Manufacturing Breaker Bill. 

 

Do you want to get exclusive government relations insights from CMTA?  📲 Reach out to members@cmta.net.

Manufacturing Minute: Siemens Mobility Selected to Manufacture Trains for High-Speed Rail Project

This week’s Manufacturing Minute brings forth exciting developments shaping the future of the nation’s high-speed rail ambitions and industry growth in the Golden State.

Siemens High-Speed Rail Project  

Courtesy of Brightline West

Siemens Mobility, a train manufacturer with a hub in Sacramento, CA, has been selected as the “preferred bidder” for Brightline West’s high-speed rail project. This is a development that is set to revolutionize travel between Las Vegas and Southern California. 

With the introduction of the innovative American Pioneer 220 (AP 220) train sets, Siemens Mobility is promising cutting-edge technology and a passenger experience tailored for the U.S. market. The high-speed rail project will take passengers from Rancho Cucamonga to the Las Vegas Strip in two hours.  

This infrastructure milestone signifies California’s leap into high-speed rail technology and amplifies the nation’s manufacturing capabilities.  

California’s Bold Investment in Innovation  

Courtesy of Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

California’s Governor announced the state would invest $120 million in tax credits to eight pioneering companies. Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement this past April, explaining how this funding will help create good-paying jobs and support the economy.  

“California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world and we’re supporting workers and businesses as they reach success,” Newsom said. “This funding will help businesses create good-paying jobs — from steel manufacturing in Kern County to sustainable lithium production in Imperial Valley — and support the state’s economic dominance for years to come.” 

This huge investment in California is expected to generate more than 2,100 full-time jobs with an average annual salary of over $100,000 and bring in an estimated $15.5 billion in private investment over the next five years. 

The funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) comes from the California Competes program that was created in 2013 to help businesses grow and stay in California.

Fremont Economic Development Department Partners with CMTA in First-of-its-Kind Collaboration

Fremont Economic Development Department Partners with CMTA in First-of-its-Kind Collaboration

This is the first city partnership in CMTA history.

Sacramento, Calif.In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) and the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Department are entering a private-public partnership to increase the visibility of the City’s brand and profile statewide – supporting Fremont’s manufacturing sector and economy.

Fremont is home to 900 manufacturers, supporting nearly 60,000 jobs. With more than one in every three jobs in the city in manufacturing, Fremont is rightfully nicknamed “The Hardware Side of the Bay.”

“This unique collaboration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to driving economic prosperity and fostering innovation with our manufacturers,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “Fremont’s vibrant manufacturing landscape is evident to anyone driving through on any given day. Manufacturing is the foundation of our economy. Together, we’re forging a path toward innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.”

Fremont has a diverse manufacturing ecosystem that reaches top sectors, including biomedical manufacturing, battery R&D and manufacturing, cleantech, robotics, autonomous vehicles R&D and manufacturing, and semiconductor equipment manufacturing.

“Fremont serves as the foundry for Silicon Valley, where companies making physical technologies come to scale,” said Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Director for the City of Fremont. “With more manufacturing jobs than anywhere else in the State, it makes perfect sense to join many of our companies and our Chamber who are already CMTA members and become a member ourselves. We look forward to collaborating with CMTA to bring greater awareness and resources to this vital sector and advancing California manufacturing.”

While much of the Bay Area saw a rapid decline in office workers during the pandemic, Fremont experienced a venture capital boom in the life sciences sector and many of the city’s workers held essential roles in manufacturing.

“I am immensely proud to lead a city that not only spearheads advanced manufacturing but also holds a prominent position within Silicon Valley and our national economy,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “Fremont has become a thriving hub that champions innovation, propels job growth, and actively contributes to reshoring manufacturing companies. The City’s impact on the national level as a leader in made-in-America manufacturing is a testament to our city’s and my unwavering dedication and transformative potential to the industry.”

CMTA Board Member company Boehringer Ingelheim’s only U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility is in Fremont. With a workforce of over 500 individuals, it handles development and manufacturing from small-scale to commercial levels and continues to make major investments in its Fremont GMP manufacturing campus.

Tesla, a CMTA member and one of the largest manufacturing employers in California, employs 25,000 workers from across the region at its Fremont facility. The Tesla Model Y, manufactured in Fremont, was crowned the winner of CMTA’s inaugural Coolest Thing Made in California competition in 2023.

Fremont is a champion for manufacturers, celebrating National Manufacturing Day since its inception 13 years ago – coordinating local factory tours for an entire week and hosting the country’s biggest city-organized event.

The City also works tirelessly to create a sustainable workforce pipeline for graduating students to enter the industry. Through multiple workforce development programs, Fremont partners with local schools including Fremont Unified School District and Ohlone Community College’s Smart Manufacturing Technology (SMTech) Program, Tesla Manufacturing Development Program, and the Biotechnology Department to foster the next generation of manufacturers.

Through harnessing their combined knowledge and resources, Fremont and CMTA stand ready to enhance their influence and support manufacturers throughout the region.

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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 $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.

About City of Fremont

Fremont is a hub for innovation – becoming home to various leading-edge industry clusters, including advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and life sciences. One of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the Bay Area, Fremont prides itself in its diversified, globally-connected economy. As the fourth largest city in the Bay Area with over 234,000 residents, businesses here are known to succeed, and residents and visitors experience high-quality lives, services, and programs from nationally-recognized high-ranking schools, 1,224 acres of well-kept parks, and 50 million square feet of flex industrial and R&D space, as well as a wide range of affordable housing options. Centrally located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fremont is conveniently served by two interstates, multiple rail transport lines including BART, and has easy access to three international airports, the Port of Oakland, and several major educational institutions, making it easy for the community to explore the abundant opportunities the Bay Area has to offer. For more information, visit the City of Fremont website.

‘This could really impact the manufacturing sector right here in California’: Study Says Manufacturing in U.S. Could Need Up to 3.8 Million Workers

Sacramento, Calif. – As many as 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled in the next decade as the industry continues to advance post-pandemic, according to a new study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.

California Manufacturers and Technology Association’s (CMTA) CEO & President Lance Hastings joined KCRA 3 News on Thursday, May 2, 2024, to give insight into what this means for California’s manufacturing workforce and the solutions to fill the workforce gaps.

“This could really impact the manufacturing sector right here in California,” Hastings told KCRA 3 Anchor Brandi Cummings.

Watch the interview with KCRA 3 News Brandi Cummings in the video player above.

The new study found the “manufacturing industry has emerged from the pandemic on a solid growth trajectory, and continued growth is expected over the next 10 years as companies work to meet evolving customer demands, de-risk their supply chains, and leverage government incentives and policies.”

Hastings says the challenges to filling these jobs come from a convergence of variables. What Hastings calls the ‘Silver Tsunami’ with a wave of retirements is one reason for the need to backfill jobs while simultaneously seeing positions opening due to an increased growth in the sector. The manufacturing industry is thriving post-pandemic as significant investment drives it forward into more advanced manufacturing. These investments are being seen at the federal level with the Biden Administration’s CHIPS Act and at local state and municipal levels with tax credits and other investments across the country.

“The manufacturing jobs are highly skilled and technical, a lot of computers are involved. So, the skill gap that we have right now versus the previous manufacturing of heavy lifting, more active kind of jobs is different – it’s evolving, and we have to adapt,” Hastings said about moving forward with new types of manufacturing positions opening in the field.

CMTA aims to help aid in the industry’s growth by shaping and changing the narrative: “It’s not dirty, dark and dangerous like it used to be,” Hastings said. “Trying to attract people into this sector even with our great paying jobs, we’re finding to be difficult… In particular in California, we’re so innovative, and technologically focused. California’s jobs profile is a bit different than other states.”

The study finds that the demand for digital skills is accelerating as technological innovation continues.

“Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute’s analysis show that, in the last five years, there has been a 75% increase in demand for simulation and simulation software skills, sought mostly for technology-enabled production or testing roles,” the study states. These roles include semiconductor processing technicians, machinists, first-line supervisors, welders, and electronics and electromechanical assemblers.

The solution? Start educating the next generation early, Hastings says.

“It starts in elementary school, it starts in high school when you start to tell everyone about what career opportunities are [out there], that may or may not require a college degree. That’s where we can really start to make a change,” he said.

CMTA is working directly with California’s top leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, “on ways to infuse activity and capital into the manufacturing sector.”

Watch the interview with FOX40’s Sonseeahray Tonsall in the video player above.

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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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