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.
As Seen On TV: Women in Manufacturing California-Made Products
California-made products were recently featured on ABC10, CBS Sacramento, and Fox40, highlighting the creativity and innovation driving the state’s manufacturing industry. These TV segments lead up to CMTA’s 4th Annual Women MakingCA Conference on Thursday, March 13,...
Tesla Prepares for Optimus Bot Production in California: Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key advancements in robotics, aerospace, and AI-driven manufacturing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmJpn0xrMjQ Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Tesla's Optimus Bot...
Global leader in launch and space systems Rocket Lab joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rocket Lab to the organization today. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, Rocket Lab is a space company that designs, manufactures, assembles,...
PG&E CEO Announced as Keynote Speaker at CMTA’s Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key developments shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation. https://youtu.be/mbhCd5z_rIA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual...
Voltek Ace Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Voltek Ace to the organization today. “Our small and medium-sized manufacturers make up a large sector of California’s economy, with 64% of the Golden State’s...
BlueForge Alliance and CommerceWest Bank Join CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, BlueForge Alliance (BFA) and CommerceWest Bank, to the organization today. “I am excited to welcome our two newest associate members to CMTA, both...
Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Giant Bosch Awarded $225M to Expand Northern California Facility
In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight exciting economic developments and California’s leadership in growing the manufacturing industry. https://youtu.be/mqoklWrZSgA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Bosch’s...
CMTA Hosts Manufacturing Roundtable with Senator Wahab in Fremont
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted a Manufacturers Roundtable with Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab in the City of Fremont. Wahab represents Senate District 10, covering the cities of Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Milpitas,...
California Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Presents from the Golden State
Celebrate the Holidays with California-Made Gifts The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting California’s vibrant manufacturing community. With over 34,000 manufacturers creating everything from handcrafted treasures...
CMTA Update: New 2025 Laws for California Manufacturers
Sacramento, Calif. – Hundreds of new California laws are about to go into effect starting January 1, 2025. As a Golden State manufacturer and employer, are you ready for the latest rules set on businesses? As a CMTA-member exclusive benefit, continue to read for new...
Press Release
As Seen On TV: Women in Manufacturing California-Made Products
California-made products were recently featured on ABC10, CBS Sacramento, and Fox40, highlighting the creativity and innovation driving the state’s manufacturing industry. These TV segments lead up to CMTA’s 4th Annual Women MakingCA Conference on Thursday, March 13, in Sacramento, a gathering dedicated to celebrating the women shaping the future of manufacturing. Watch the segments below and keep scrolling to discover more about the featured products!
Alka Beauty
Alka Beauty
This system filters out chlorine and other chemicals usually found in tap water and adds minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, so that you can wash your face with the best quality water. The counter top system comes with a diverter valve to connect to your bathroom sink, which allows you to switch between filtered water and unfiltered water. Plus, the filtration system comes with a direct faucet connection to allow for express access to purified water from the countertop system.
Get more information on the Alka Beauty.
AlkaGlam
Sea Lava Clarifying Tonic
A lightweight, anti-aging toner treatment that utilizes patented Alkaglam technology to convert distilled water into a natural tonic. Highly concentrated minerals Zinc, Magnesium, Kaolin, Tourmaline and Zeolite, a rare super mineral created 200,000 feet below the Earth’s surface when molten lava from undersea volcanoes fuses with natural ocean saltwater, help to brighten, retexturize, and firm skin.
Get more information on Alka Glam’s Clarifying Tonic
AlkaVida
Alka Beauty, Cleo Shower Filter with pods
Transform your daily shower into a luxurious spa experience with our revolutionary Advanced Filtration Shower Filter. Specially crafted for those who reside in apartments and face the challenges of hard water, this high-tech shower filter is designed to elevate your self-care routine to new heights.
Learn more about the Cleo Shower HERE
Blue Diamond Almonds
Mike’s Hot Honey Almonds
The #1 Almond Brand teamed up with the #1 Hot Honey Brand to bring you Mike’s Hot Honey Flavored Almonds. Now we’re talking. Your favorite crunchy snacks are roasted with hot honey flavoring, aka all Natural 100% Pure Honey Infused with Chili Peppers. You’ll lick your lips, fingers, and maybe even the package for every last drop of this iconic snack.
Check out Blue Diamond Almonds Mike’s Hot Honey Almonds
Thin Dipped Chocolate Almonds
Blue Diamond Almonds Dipped Double Dark Chocolate Almonds conquer any sweet craving with only 1/2 the sugar*. Talk about a win-win. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, coloring, shiny or wax coatings so you can give into your cravings with all the goodness.
Learn more about Blue Diamonds Thin Dipped Almond
Carmazzi Caramel Corn
Grandma’s secret recipe. This original recipe is the cornerstone of our operation. Our Caramel Corn is not too sweet with a hint of savory. You can taste the real butter with every crunchy bite. It is not chewy and it is always fresh.
Buy your Carmazzi Caramel Corn HERE
CASUPO
Items Featured: Wagoneer Bag, Passport Holders, Full Grain Leather Wallet
CASUPO creates one of the most environmentally conscious and durable leather goods in the USA. CASUPO rescues leather from the past and gives it a new life to lessen the amount of waste in the world. We also source sustainable leathers from gold-rated tanneries to provide a product that is dyed using natural dyes, which gives you a less toxic and more durable product.
Check out CASUPO bags HERE
Korina
Items Featured: Detoxify Mask Power, Coffee + Sugar Facial Scrub, Winter Ylang Lavender Sandalwood Perfume Oil, Neroli Vetiver Bergamot Perfume Oil, Lavender Body Oil, Natural Face Serums
Korina is passionate about creating clean, natural, and effective skincare and body care products. It is handcrafted, clean beauty products that are safe and effective. Korina is dedicated to helping you find natural solutions for what you use on your skin and body.
Learn more about the Korina Beauty Products
Villa Vidal
Innovative Luxe Bathrobe
Are you tired of juggling towels and struggling to keep your sleeves dry while washing your face? Look no further – Villa. Vidal revolutionized bathrobe design with our patent-pending bathrobe that combines comfort, convenience, and practicality like never before.
Learn more about Villa Vidal’s Bathrobe
Villa Vidal Outfits Featured on TV
Jacqueline Dress – Remi Red Suit Set – Chanel Tweed Set
Check out the Jacqueline Dress, Remi Red Suit Set, and the Chanel Tweed Set.
Wente Vineyards
Items Featured: Aly’s Pinot Noir, Niki’s Pinot Noir Rosé
Aly’s Pinot Noir has expressive aromas of cherry, cranberry, rose petal, forest floor and cinnamon. Bright flavors of red cherry and vanilla are rounded out by focused acidity.
Niki’s Pinot Noir Rosé is incredibly aromatic with notes of fresh melon, ripe strawberries, and raspberry. This wine has a soft palate and finishes with bright and lively acidity.
Learn more about these Wente Wines
Have you registered for our 4th Annual Women MakingCA Conference?
➡️ Click HERE to register now!
Tesla Prepares for Optimus Bot Production in California: Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Minute
This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights key advancements in robotics, aerospace, and AI-driven manufacturing.
Tesla’s Optimus Bot Production at Fremont Facility
Photo Courtesy of Sundry Photography
Tesla, a CMTA member, is expanding its robotics division, hiring engineers at its Fremont factory to advance production of the Optimus humanoid robot. The company has listed at least 12 new positions, signaling momentum in its automation efforts. CEO Elon Musk recently stated that Tesla could build up to 10,000 robots this year, with deliveries beginning in 2026. As the company scales production, Musk estimates that once output reaches one million units annually, the Optimus bot could be priced as low as $20,000. This expansion marks Tesla’s strategic move to diversify beyond electric vehicles and tap into emerging automation markets.
Honeywell Splits into Three Focused Companies
Photo Courtesy of Robert
Honeywell International, a CMTA board member company, has announced plans to streamline its portfolio by spinning off its aerospace and automation divisions into independent public companies. Honeywell Automation will focus on industrial technologies and software to enhance productivity, while Honeywell Aerospace will continue supplying propulsion, cockpit, and navigation systems for commercial and defense aircraft. The split, set for completion in late 2026, follows Honeywell’s earlier decision to separate its advanced materials business, further refining its focus on automation, aviation technology, and clean energy. These strategic moves position the company for long-term growth in high-tech manufacturing sectors.
Stellantis Leverages AI for Automotive Innovation
Photo Courtesy of piter2121
In another major development, Stellantis, a CMTA board member and the world’s fourth-largest automaker, is expanding its strategic AI partnership with Mistral AI. This collaboration aims to revolutionize vehicle engineering, enhance in-car experiences, and optimize manufacturing operations through AI-driven innovation. Leveraging Mistral AI’s expertise in large language models and automation, Stellantis plans to strengthen data analysis, streamline product development, and improve customer interactions. A key initiative includes developing an advanced AI-powered in-car assistant to provide real-time, conversational support for drivers. As automakers increasingly integrate AI to refine manufacturing processes and accelerate innovation, this partnership reinforces Stellantis’s leadership in AI-driven automotive advancements.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.
Global leader in launch and space systems Rocket Lab joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rocket Lab to the organization today.
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, Rocket Lab is a space company that designs, manufactures, assembles, launches, and operates rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components.
“The aerospace industry was created right here in California, and supports 39% of all of the jobs in manufacturing,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA’s CEO & President. “We are thrilled to bring in Rocket Lab as a new member as they have a proven track record of pushing California towards innovation.”
With 50+ launches and 200+ satellites delivered to space, Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, while its new larger and reusable rocket Neutron is scheduled to launch for the first time in 2025.
“We are thrilled to join the CMTA and help to create new opportunities for aerospace in our state’s manufacturing and technology communities, fostering a stronger, more innovative ecosystem for all,” said Frank Klein, Rocket Lab Chief Operations Officer.
Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and components are also supporting missions to the Moon and Mars for NASA, and its satellite components and subsystems are part of domestic and international space programs that support a range of causes from technology innovation and Earth imaging through to national security and weather monitoring.
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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.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 200+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. For more information, learn more here.