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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. 

Automotive Accessory Manufacturer, T-Rex Truck Products, Joins CMTA

Sep 22, 2023

Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed T-Rex Truck Products, Inc. to the organization today. The off-road accessory and utility rack manufacturer operates its three brands, T-Rex Grilles, Zroadz Off-Road Products...

World Leader in Metal Recycling Crushes its Way into CMTA Membership

Sep 13, 2023

Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed the metal recycling and processing company, SA Recycling, to the organization today. SA Recycling has grown from a small scrap yard to coast-to-coast operations with some 130...

Voting Starts for the Coolest Thing Made in California Competition

Sep 4, 2023

Sacramento, CA – Hundreds of California-made products have been nominated to the Coolest Thing Made in California competition, now it’s time to let the public decide which innovative product will secure a spot in the highly anticipated Top 16 bracket. From Monday,...

CMTA Unveils Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in California Awards Contest

Aug 21, 2023

Celebrating Innovation, Excellence, and Creativity in California’s Robust Manufacturing Industry   Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to unveil its groundbreaking awards contest in search of the Coolest...

Press Release

Automotive Accessory Manufacturer, T-Rex Truck Products, Joins CMTA

Sep 22, 2023

Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed T-Rex Truck Products, Inc. to the organization today. The off-road accessory and utility rack manufacturer operates its three brands, T-Rex Grilles, Zroadz Off-Road Products and US Rack, out of its headquarters in Corona, California.

“Every manufacturing job creates more than two other jobs in the economy,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “Manufacturing is the backbone of America’s workforce, and T-Rex Truck Products lives up to that promise at its 55,000-square foot facility in Southern California where over 100 employees manufacture an array of products shipped across the world.” 

T-Rex is known as the world leader in aftermarket grille design and manufacturing for trucks. Its diversification into off-road exterior accessories and truck utility rack segments has positioned the company to take further advantage of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. 

“Our mission is shown in the quality of every product we sell. We design and manufacture some of the most innovative aftermarket truck accessories in the industry,” said Ben Mizban, CEO of T-Rex Truck Products.

T-Rex’s uncompromising quality begins with advanced 3D CAD design and engineering, along with rigorous product testing for fit, finish and durability. Their manufacturing processes include laser cutting, CNC forming, tube bending, rolling, welding and fabrication.

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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 T-Rex Truck Products:

With over 30 years of cutting-edge development, T-Rex is a leader in aftermarket product design and manufacturing. Their state-of-the-art 55,000 sq. ft. Southern California facility supports over 100 American jobs through manufacturing, research & development, marketing and administration. For more information, visit their websites at trextruckproducts.com, zroadz.com and usrack.com.

With Four Products Remaining, What is the Coolest Thing Made in California?

Sep 22, 2023

Sacramento, Calif. – The first-ever finalists of the Coolest Thing Made in California competition hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) were announced today. From a pool of 100 nominated products and almost 77,000 votes later, the Top 4 products in the Coolest Thing Made in California competition are:

  1. Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s Popcorn in Sacramento
  2. Millennium Space Systems’ Victus Nox in El Segundo
  3. Northrop Grumman’s James Webb Space Telescope in Redondo Beach
  4. Tesla’s Model Y in Fremont

These products have captured the essence of California’s manufacturing prowess, standing out for their quality, creativity, and impact on various industries. Their selection as the Top 4, voted on by the public, is a testament to their exceptional contributions to the state’s manufacturing landscape.

The competition is now in its final stages, and these Top 4 products are head-to-head as the public decides the ultimate winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in California” title.

Voting for the final round is open to the public from Monday, September 25 to Thursday, September 28, at CoolestThingCalifornia.com. We encourage everyone to cast their votes and support their favorite product, as every vote counts in determining the winner.

The winner will be announced by California’s Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference on National Manufacturing Day.

“Manufacturing is a critical industry in California’s history and future,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “We couldn’t be more proud of the extraordinary range of products we witnessed throughout this competition. The finalists represent the pinnacle of innovation in California, and we can’t wait to see which one will be crowned the Coolest Thing Made in California.”

For more information about the Coolest Thing Made in California competition and to cast your vote in the final round, 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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