Labor & Employment
Fair, reasonable, and competitive labor and employment laws are vital to ensuring California manufacturers remain competitive.
CMTA’S President & CEO Releases Statement on Passage of AB 98 (J. Carrillo)
Sacramento, Calif. – California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) President and CEO, Lance Hastings, released the following statement on the passage of Assembly Bill 98 (J. Carrillo), the statewide mandate on warehouse operations. “On Sunday evening,...
Supply Chain Operating System Startup for Manufacturers Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member, Soff, to the organization today. Based in San Francisco, Soff is a supply chain operating system for manufacturing companies. The startup company works to unify...
CMTA’s CEO & President Releases Statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoing Manufacturing Tax Credit, AB 52 (Grayson)
Sacramento, Calif. – Late Friday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom returned AB 52 (Grayson) to the Legislature without his signature. This bill would have provided an investment tax credit for the purchase of manufacturing equipment. In his veto message,...
How AB 52, Manufacturing Tax Credit, Will Expand California Jobs
California manufacturing generates more than $394 billion annually and employs more than 1.3 million people with over 30,000 firms. Our manufacturers are the most significant contributor to the United States manufacturing industry, making up 11% of the manufacturing...
CMTA Government Relations Update: California Assembly Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Manufacturers
This month’s Government Relations Update video highlights crucial legislative developments for California’s manufacturing sector. https://youtu.be/F8B9bRRI5s8 This proposed legislation, which aims to introduce a manufacturing tax credit for qualified manufacturing...
EHS Consulting Firm ALL4 & Insurance Brokerage EPIC Join CMTA as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed several associate members to the organization today, including consulting agency ALL4 and Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC). “Our associate members play an important...
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOD_nmxABJo The California Legislative Summer Recess is approaching on July 3, 2024. This date marks the...
Sustainable House Manufacturer, ReMo Homes, Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) officially welcomed ReMo Homes, a pioneering modular manufacturing company, to the organization today. ReMo Homes is working towards providing zero-carbon, cost-effective modular and...
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BLxyJ_BRaI $14 Million STEM Grant to San Francisco...
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. https://youtu.be/Dmj-DjtEur0 Both the Assembly and Senate have a huge deadline on Friday, May 24, 2024, to pass bills introduced in their...
Press Releases
CMTA’S President & CEO Releases Statement on Passage of AB 98 (J. Carrillo)
Sacramento, Calif. – California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) President and CEO, Lance Hastings, released the following statement on the passage of Assembly Bill 98 (J. Carrillo), the statewide mandate on warehouse operations.
“On Sunday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 98, a bill regulating logistics and warehouse facility development, passed by the Legislature without consulting manufacturers. The provisions of AB 98 were revealed in the last few days of the legislative session, receiving very little review prior to passage.
Despite its aim to address environmental concerns, AB 98 imposes strict and ambiguous restrictions on facility locations, posing significant challenges to California’s 30,000 manufacturers, who often operate as temporary warehouses by moving and storing products on-site. Most business organizations opposed the bill due to its broad and detrimental impact on an already costly regulatory landscape. The rigid mandates will adversely affect industries beyond warehousing and may lead to job losses, ultimately harming the economy.
In their joint statement, the California Chamber of Commerce, California Retailers Association, California Restaurant Association, and California Apartment Association praised the bill as a sensible compromise. However, this perspective overlooks the reality that AB 98 imposes severe constraints that could stifle economic growth and innovation. The claim that it avoids negative impacts is misguided; the bill will instead exacerbate the challenges faced by our manufacturers.
The Governor has now vetoed manufacturing’s top priority (AB 52) and signed manufacturing’s biggest threat (AB 98). The California Manufacturers & Technology Association advocates for a more strategic approach to achieving the state’s environmental goals while supporting economic growth. We will propose legislation next year to minimize the impact of AB 98 on manufacturers across the state. We need leaders who backs manufacturing with more than just words—too much is at stake for California’s economy.”
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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.
Supply Chain Operating System Startup for Manufacturers Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member, Soff, to the organization today.
Based in San Francisco, Soff is a supply chain operating system for manufacturing companies. The startup company works to unify supply chain data and automate core workflows, with the goal of helping companies bring products to market faster.
“Manufacturing is at a pivotal turning point as the industry adjusts to and explores the cutting-edge technology that is artificial intelligence (AI). Implementing AI into our manufacturing processes will expand the horizons for the industry,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “We are thrilled to have Soff join CMTA as new members and look forward to them joining us at our MakingCA Conference in October as panelists.”
Soff was started in 2024 by two German engineers, Berni Hausleitner and Raban von Spiegel. Hausleitner saw first-hand the supply chain inefficiencies from a manufacturers viewpoint while working as a full-stack engineer at Tesla on the autopilot team.
“Manufacturers are in crisis mode, battling supply chain disruptions,” said Hausleitner, Co-Founder of Soff. “All eyes are on supply chain managers, who must rise to the occasion. However, they are left with archaic tools, forcing them into painful and redundant workflows. This is why we’re building Soff.”
Von Spiegel and Hausleitner paired together to build Soff after Von Spiegel worked as a purchasing manager at one of Soff’s customers.
“We’re incredibly excited to join the CMTA. This opportunity allows us to further accelerate our mission to transform supply chain management in manufacturing, and we’re excited to collaborate with other forward-thinking companies in the CMTA network,” said Raban von Spiegel, Co-Founder of Soff.
Today, supply chain data lives across email inboxes, spreadsheets, ERPs and other point-solutions. This fragmentation, Soff says, leads to out-of-sync data and wild workarounds.
Soff unifies supply chain data into one platform, automating time-consuming tasks like data entry, RFQs, quote comparisons, and issuing POs. Soff saves customers dozens of hours each week while eliminating costly errors and delays. Soff enables manufacturers to deliver higher-quality products faster. Companies like SpaceX (Warpdrive), Rivian (Basecamp), and Apple (Incline) spend millions on building their in-house supply chain tools—Soff brings that level of efficiency to any manufacturer.
Von Spiegel will speak at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference on a panel diving into how to harness AI to revolutionize manufacturing in California. Hear him speak, and learn more about the conference here.
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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.
About Soff
Soff provides supply chain software for manufacturing companies. Founded in 2024, Soff works with Californian manufacturers like Zipline to automate core supply chain workflows. Supply chain managers use Soff to streamline quote requests and automate ERP data entry. The company was started by engineers from Stanford and Tesla. For more information, visit Soff’s website
CMTA’s CEO & President Releases Statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoing Manufacturing Tax Credit, AB 52 (Grayson)
Sacramento, Calif. – Late Friday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom returned AB 52 (Grayson) to the Legislature without his signature. This bill would have provided an investment tax credit for the purchase of manufacturing equipment.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom stated this bill would have a significant impact on the state general fund and should be considered in the annual budget process.
California Manufacturers & Technology Association CEO and President Lance Hastings released this statement in response to the veto:
“On behalf of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, the 30,000 manufacturers and 1.3 million workers in the sector, we are extremely disappointed in Governor Newsom for not supporting this much-needed legislation after it was passed unanimously by both houses of the Legislature. This is the second time he has vetoed a manufacturer’s investment tax credit within the last two years and over that time we have sought to work with the Administration to highlight, promote, and expand manufacturing in California. His veto sends a strong and daunting signal to the rest of the country – and world – that manufacturing is not an economic priority in California.
By not aligning with 38 other states that already provide similar investment credits for manufacturers, California faces the real possibility of losing our top ranking in manufacturing, which would lead us slipping from the 5th largest economy in the world and falling behind in global competitiveness. We urge the Governor and Legislature to join us in a constructive dialogue about modernizing our tax framework to recognize that manufacturing and strong support of research and development, are essential to foster a robust manufacturing sector that drives job creation and economic growth. Let’s work together to cultivate an environment where California can thrive as a leader in manufacturing – starting immediately.”
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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.
How AB 52, Manufacturing Tax Credit, Will Expand California Jobs
California manufacturing generates more than $394 billion annually and employs more than 1.3 million people with over 30,000 firms. Our manufacturers are the most significant contributor to the United States manufacturing industry, making up 11% of the manufacturing jobs in the nation and accounting for 14.5% of the national manufacturing GDP.
California can strengthen its leadership in innovation and manufacturing by investing in a manufacturing tax credit.
AB 52 (Grayson) transforms the current incentive landscape, making manufacturing investment in California far more competitive and bringing us in line with 38 other states that already cover the taxes on qualified manufacturing purchases.
Let’s end the trend of “Invent Here, Build There.”
Watch more about how AB 52 will benefit California’s manufacturing workforce here.
CMTA Government Relations Update: California Assembly Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Manufacturers
This month’s Government Relations Update video highlights crucial legislative developments for California’s manufacturing sector.
This proposed legislation, which aims to introduce a manufacturing tax credit for qualified manufacturing equipment and research and development (R&D) purchases, has recently cleared a critical hurdle, passing the Senate and Assembly Floors with unanimous support. It now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for a final signature.
California is the nation’s leading state in manufacturing, boasting over 30,000 manufacturers who collectively employ more than 1.3 million people. However, the current economic conditions have not been favorable to the state’s manufacturers, particularly small to medium-sized ones. These businesses, which make up more than 70% of California’s manufacturing landscape, have faced increasing challenges due to the state’s high tax rates at the state and local levels.
AB 52 represents a potential game-changer for these manufacturers. If signed into law by Gov. Newsom, this bill will provide much-needed financial relief to manufacturers by offering tax credits for crucial investments in manufacturing equipment and R&D. This could significantly reduce operational costs, making it a more attractive option for businesses to remain and expand their operations within the Golden State.
AB 52 is projected to have a broader impact on California’s economy. The bill is expected to create approximately 163,000 new manufacturing jobs and generate up to $3.5 billion in new economic activity. The potential growth will benefit the manufacturing sector and contribute to the state’s overall economic vitality.
Moreover, AB 52 aligns with California’s environmental goals. By making it more affordable for manufacturers to invest in carbon-neutralizing products and equipment, the bill supports the state’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. AB 52 has the potential to help the state meet both its economic and environmental objectives, fostering a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
One of the most promising aspects of AB 52 is its potential to reverse the trend of “Invent Here, Build There,” a situation where innovations developed in California are manufactured elsewhere due to cost concerns. By reducing these financial burdens, the bill encourages manufacturers to keep their operations within the state, allowing them to excel and contribute to California’s long-standing tradition of innovation.
Do you want to get exclusive government relations insights from CMTA? 📲 Reach out to members@cmta.net.
EHS Consulting Firm ALL4 & Insurance Brokerage EPIC Join CMTA as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed several associate members to the organization today, including consulting agency ALL4 and Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC).
“Our associate members play an important role in the health of our manufacturers and employees in California,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “ALL4 and EPIC are both leaders in their individual sectors, and we look forward to working with them at CMTA.”
With offices in 27 U.S. states as well as in Canada, Spain, Columbia, Mexico and Brazil, ALL4 provides consulting services that span challenges encountered within industrial EHS programs. Its strategic services include air quality, chemical reporting and management, digital solutions, environmental, social, and governance, investigation and remediation, occupational health and safety, waste management, and water quality.
“ALL4 is excited to join CMTA to help shape environmental responsibility by partnering with industries to protect human health and the environment while concurrently supporting ongoing economic development and thriving communities,” said Chad Morris, CEO of ALL4. “We look forward to collaborating with CMTA members to co-create a compliant and sustainable future.”
ALL4 provides strategic consulting services to numerous heavily regulated industries across the country, including aerospace, pulp and paper, food and beverage, consumer products, cement, chemical/pharmaceutical, waste management, power, oil and gas, automotive, and data centers. ALL4 has been consistently recognized as a “Best Place to Work” both regionally and nationally – growing in personnel, culture, and environmental disciplines.”
Founded in San Francisco in 2007, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is a retail risk management and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. With clients ranging from main street to Fortune 500 companies, EPIC provides brokerage and consulting products and services through a suite of capabilities that expand with the changing landscape within all industries and sectors.
“As an insurance professional with a specialization in the manufacturing space, I am thrilled to be joining the premier manufacturing association in the State of California, CMTA,” said Reza Sanati, Senior Vice President of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. “The chance to engage with industry leaders, understand their unique risks inherent in their business models, and contribute to the discussion of identifying current and emerging risks in the manufacturing processes is incredibly motivating. I look forward to the opportunity to build strong relationships, establish credibility, and ultimately, become a trusted partner in safeguarding the success of these businesses.”
EPIC’s recent revenue growth to over $1 billion has positioned the company as a fast-growing firm that continues to attract top-tier talent and firms nationally. The insurance broker ranked 17th in the U.S. for largest brokers with 100k+ clients.
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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.
About ALL4:
ALL4 has offices and remote staff members in 27 U.S. states as well as in Calgary and Toronto, Canada, Madrid, Spain, Columbia, Mexico, and Brazil. The company has office locations in the metro areas of Philadelphia, PA (headquarters); Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Atlanta, GA; Louisville/Lexington, KY; Raleigh, NC; Houston, TX; Bellingham, WA, and Washington, DC. ALL4 provides strategic consulting services to numerous heavily regulated industries across the country, including pulp and paper, food and beverage, consumer products, cement, chemical/pharmaceutical, waste management, power, oil and gas, automotive, and data centers. ALL4 has been consistently recognized as a “Best Place to Work” both regionally and nationally – growing in personnel, culture, and environmental disciplines. For more information, visit https://www.all4inc.com/ and connect with ALL4 on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About EPIC:
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) is unique and innovative retail risk management, employee benefits and private client insurance brokerage and consulting firm, founded in San Francisco, California in 2007 with offices and leadership across the country. EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including risk management, property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance and private client services. We focus on clients ranging from main street to Fortune 500 companies. Providing brokerage and consulting products and services through a suite of capabilities that continues to expand with the changing landscape within all industries and sectors. For more information, visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.
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.
Sustainable House Manufacturer, ReMo Homes, Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) officially welcomed ReMo Homes, a pioneering modular manufacturing company, to the organization today.
ReMo Homes is working towards providing zero-carbon, cost-effective modular and manufactured homes in under-resourced and historically underrepresented communities using advanced manufacturing technologies.
“In California’s efforts to decrease the state’s carbon footprint, sustainable housing manufacturing will play an important role within the state,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “CMTA is thrilled to welcome ReMo Homes as a member and we’re looking forward to partnering with their team as California continues to transition towards a more sustainable future.”
ReMo’s sustainable housing manufacturing is foreseen to create eco-friendly housing that will also facilitate the creation of cost-effective housing and industry jobs within the state.
“We are thrilled to join CMTA and be a part of the leading voice of California’s manufacturing industry,” said Vamsi Kumar Kotla, Founder of ReMo Homes. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to industrialize construction and promote sustainable, affordable housing solutions, while generating high road jobs through advanced manufacturing. We look forward to learning from and collaborating with industry leaders to drive positive change and growth in the industry.”
CMTA’s new member is currently pursuing the setting up of a manufacturing cluster for building net-zero homes in California’s Inland Empire region.
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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.
About ReMo Homes
ReMo Homes is a pioneering modular manufacturing company committed to addressing the housing and climate crises through innovative and advanced manufacturing techniques. ReMo’s multidisciplinary team consists of veterans from SpaceX, NASA as well as from traditional construction companies. ReMo specializes in producing zero-carbon, economical homes utilizing cutting-edge fabrication methods, automation-friendly materials, and Lean Manufacturing principles gleaned from the automotive industry. ReMo is dedicated to revolutionizing the housing industry by making sustainable living accessible to everyone. For more information, visit ReMo Homes website.
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.