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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. 

Organic Fertilizer Company, Glogens, Joins CMTA

Jun 14, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Glogens, a fertilizer and plant nutrient company, to the organization today. The Sacramento organic fertilizer company utilizes natural coal and amino acids to enhance...

Sustainable House Manufacturer, ReMo Homes, Joins CMTA

Jun 12, 2024

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...

Press Release

CMTA Announces Second Annual “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase

Jul 24, 2024

Pictured: California’s Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis presents the 2023 “Coolest Thing Made in California” award to Tesla on October 6, 2023.

Contest starts July 29, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is thrilled to announce the search begins for this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The second-annual contest, powered by JPMorganChase, celebrates the innovation and creativity of the state’s manufacturing sector. Following the success of last year’s contest, which crowned the Tesla Model Y as the inaugural winner, this year’s event promises even more excitement and engagement from the public.

The “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest is a unique bracket-style tournament in which the public can nominate their favorite products made in the Golden State. This 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.

“We are excited to kick off the second year of this contest, showcasing the remarkable products made right here in California,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “The innovation and craftsmanship that our manufacturers bring to the table are truly inspiring, and we look forward to highlighting the best of the best through this year’s contest.”

Last year’s contest made headlines, as more than 90,000 votes were cast, and CMTA reached more than 95,870 social media accounts during the seven-week contest. California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis partnered with CMTA to promote the contest and presented the awards during National Manufacturing Day 2023. Four companies went head-to-head vying for the first-ever title of ‘Coolest Thing Made in California.’ Tesla’s Model Y beat out Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s popcorn made in Sacramento, Millennium Space Systems’ Victus Nox made in El Segundo, and Northrop Grumman’s James Webb Space Telescope made in Redondo Beach.

The contest schedule is as follows:

  • Nominations Open: July 29 – August 8, 2024
  • Popular Round: August 12-15, 2024
  • Top 16 Round: August 26-29, 2024
  • Top 4 Round: September 2-6, 2024
  • Awards Ceremony and MakingCA Conference: October 18, 2024

The “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest highlights the outstanding products manufactured in the state and underscores the importance of manufacturing to California’s economy and its role in driving innovation.

How it works:

  1. Nominations: From July 29 to August 8, 2024, the public can nominate any product made in California by visiting the contest website. This is an opportunity to recognize and support local manufacturers across the state. Please note that products that made it into the 2023 Top 4 round cannot be nominated again.
  2. Voting: The contest then moves into a series of voting rounds where the public decides which products advance to the next round. There are four rounds of voting starting with the Popular Round which will narrow the field to the top 16 products. A bracket is formed from the Top 16 Round and voting continues to the Top 8 Round, to the Top 4 Round, and finally, the selection of the winner.
  3. Awards Ceremony: The contest culminates in an awards ceremony at the MakingCA Conference on October 18, 2024, where the winner will be announced and celebrated.

To nominate a product or for more information about the contest, please visit CoolestThingCalifornia.com. Join us in celebrating the incredible talent and innovation of California’s manufacturers ahead of National Manufacturing Month in October.

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Media Contact:

Ananda Rochita
Vice President, Communications
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
arochita@cmta.net
916-531-4161

For video from last year’s contest and award ceremony, please contact communications@cmta.net.

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. 

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

Jul 23, 2024

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: Union Pacific’s Big Boy Steam Locomotive Coming to California

Jul 9, 2024

This week’s Manufacturing Minute brings exciting developments across the manufacturing sector in California from our CMTA members. Manufacturing Minute is powered by Tri Tool Technologies. 

Watch the latest episode in the video player above. 

 

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is Coming to California

 

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 |Courtesy of Union Pacific

First, CMTA board member Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive, will be on display in Roseville on July 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event, part of Union Pacific’s “Big Boy Westward Bound” tour, honors the rich legacy of Union Pacific while celebrating its employees and the communities it serves. The City of Roseville is enhancing the event with additional activities at Vernon Street Town Square on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., alongside a special exhibit at the Carnegie Museum in Old Town Roseville. 
This historic locomotive, initially delivered in 1941 and retired in 1961 after traveling over a million miles, was restored in 2019 and is a testament to Union Pacific’s storied history and commitment to preservation. 

 

PepsiCo Expands EV Fleet Across California

 

Tesla Class 8 Semi-Truck | Courtesy of PepsiCo

Next, PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), CMTA’s newest member, is making significant strides in sustainable transportation by expanding its electric-powered fleet in California. The deployment of fifty Class 8 Tesla semi-trucks and seventy-five Ford E-Transit electric vans will revolutionize PBNA’s logistics operations. This initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s ambitious pep+ goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. This project is a part of California Climate Investments, supported by grants from the California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the California Energy Commission.  

PepsiCo’s Fresno facility, a 170,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, is now equipped with advanced Tesla chargers and Megapack Battery Energy Storage Systems to support these new electric vehicles, marking a substantial step towards a greener future. 

 

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

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