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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. 

Fourth-Generation Walnut Manufacturer Joins CMTA

Nov 19, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly welcomes Grower Direct Nut Co., a leader in the walnut industry with a rich history in sustainable farming and innovative processing techniques, as a new member of the...

PG&E and Acena Consulting Join CMTA as Associate Members

Nov 7, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to welcome two new associate members, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Acena Consulting to the association. Both companies bring significant expertise that...

CMTA Sponsors City of Fremont’s 13th Annual Manufacturing Week

Oct 30, 2024

Fremont, Calif. – In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 4, the City of Fremont hosted its 13th annual celebration of Manufacturing Week from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14. Sponsored by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the weeklong...

2024 MakingCA Conference Recap

Oct 29, 2024

Innovation in Manufacturing: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition & Technology 100 people joined CMTA to celebrate California’s 30,000 manufacturers during the 2nd Annual MakingCA Conference on Friday, October, 18, 2024. Speakers included CEO of People’s First Beef...

Press Release

Voltek Ace Joins CMTA

Jan 28, 2025

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 makers having fewer than 25 employees,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA’s CEO & President. “Our makers need our support and I’m glad to welcome Voltek Ace to the organization.”

Founded in 2022, Voltek Ace offers advanced design and engineering services to local and national customers. The company offers manufacturing capabilities for high-reliability end markets including traffic, semiconductor, medical, industrial and renewable energy markets.

Founder and owner Shireen Bojja started the company after 12 years in the engineering industry. She was an R&D design engineer in Silicon Valley and Southern California.

“I am excited to be a part of CMTA as it connects manufacturers and STEM professionals with a powerful network of entrepreneurs, executives and women professionals who are shaping California’s economy,” said Bojja. “Collaborating and exchanging ideas with like-minded leaders could open doors to new partnerships, and career growth opportunities.”

The company also partners with organizations to design and manufacture power electronics products across multiple sectors. It maintains strong relationships with suppliers and clients across the United States and other global markets, ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery of specialized electronic components and systems.

Through Voltek Ace, power infrastructure projects for Caltrans, DOTs, and water management were implemented, to name a few. These implementations demonstrated effective traffic management, resulting in measurable traffic flow and system efficiency improvements across major metropolitan areas.

“CMTA advocates for policies that support manufacturing growth, innovation, and workforce development in California allowing discussions that shape industry policies, especially in areas like sustainability, energy efficiency, and small business development. It provides opportunities to mentor and encourage other women to pursue careers in STEM and manufacturing and highlights its members’ achievements while empowering them to inspire the next generation,” Bojja said.

The mission of Voltek Ace is to integrate technical excellence with business development and create a sustainable competitive advantage through innovative solutions for complex technical challenges in the electrical engineering sector.

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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 Voltek Ace, LLC

Voltek Ace, LLC was established in 2022 and is located in the Golden State of California with a local and national customer focus, offering advanced design and engineering services. The company offers manufacturing capabilities for high-reliability end markets, including Traffic, Semiconductor, Medical, Industrial and Renewable Energy markets. For more information, visit their website here.

BlueForge Alliance and CommerceWest Bank Join CMTA

Jan 21, 2025

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 of which will be great partners for the industry,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “BFA supports workforce development within the manufacturing industry and is a great partner for the U.S. Navy, and CommerceWest Bank works closely with our small and medium manufacturers specifically in California to finance their business needs.”

BFA is a nonprofit defense industrial base integrator that supports the U.S. Navy’s initiatives and efforts to strengthen and sustain the maritime manufacturing sector. BFA builds resilience in the maritime industrial base by bringing together industry, academia, and government in a shared mission. Leveraging expertise across sectors, BFA enhances supplier networks, expand workforce capabilities, and advance manufacturing technologies to create sustainable solutions.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, CommerceWest Bank focuses on supporting small and mid-sized California manufacturers with business banking and financial services. The company was founded in 2001 with the goal of delivering unparalleled service to the business community.

“As a full-service business bank, CommerceWest Bank’s goal is to provide personally tailored services and a true partnership that is unique to the industry,” said Kris Kennedy, VP/SBA Loan Officer of CommerceWest Bank. “We look forward to engaging with small and medium sized California manufacturers and working to provide conventional and SBA lending solutions to meet their needs.”

CommerceWest Bank services businesses throughout California. The bank provides flexibility, creating a complete, safe, and sound banking experience for each client, servicing owners and catering to their specific business and individual banking needs.

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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 BlueForge Alliance

BlueForge Alliance (BFA) is a nonprofit defense industrial base integrator that supports the U.S. Navy’s industrial base initiatives and efforts to strengthen and sustain the maritime manufacturing sector. BFA is a critical partner in the SIB’s mission to ensure industry has the capability, capacity, and resilience to build and maintain America’s next generation of undersea platforms. BFA is headquartered in Bryan/College Station, Texas. For more information, visit www.BlueForgeAlliance.us.

About CommerceWest Bank

CommerceWest Bank is determined to redefine banking for small and medium sized businesses by delivering on customized products and services.  Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the Bank serves businesses throughout the state of California with our digital banking platform. By employing a strategically selected team of experienced professionals, we will provide flexibility, create a complete, safe and sound banking experience for each client.  We provide a wide range of commercial banking services, including, remote deposit solution, NetBanker online banking, mobile banking, lines of credit, M&A / working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans and treasury management services.

Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Giant Bosch Awarded $225M to Expand Northern California Facility

Jan 15, 2025

In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight exciting economic developments and California’s leadership in growing the manufacturing industry.

Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. 

 

Bosch’s $225M California Facility Expansion 

 

Photo Courtesy of Bosch

Bosch is investing $1.9 billion to expand its Roseville, California, facility, supported by up to $225 million in federal CHIPS and Science Act funding and a matching CalCompetes Tax Credit. This expansion will focus on producing silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, essential for improving the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles (EVs). The project is expected to create up to 1,700 jobs, including roles in construction, manufacturing, and engineering, significantly boosting local employment and U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. This initiative positions California at the forefront of clean energy innovation and advanced manufacturing growth. 

California’s Leading the Way in Manufacturing 

 

California’s strength in manufacturing was recently recognized as San Jose, also known as the Capital of Silicon Valley, was named the top manufacturing hub in the United States in a study by ABM Equipment. The study looked at factors like jobs, wages, and local economic impact. With over 50,000 people working in manufacturing—about 12% of all jobs in the city (according to the City of San Jose)—San Jose has proven to be a leader in innovation and industrial growth. This recognition shows the importance of investing in workers and infrastructure to support future success. Los Angeles, California, also ranked among the top three hubs, highlighting the value of manufacturing to local economies nationwide. 

California’s Leading the Way in Manufacturing 

 

CMTA’s 2024 Back to Session Open House

As the 2025-2026 legislative session kicks off, CMTA is hosting its annual Back to Session Open House on Tuesday, January 21. This event is a chance for CMTA members, regional partners, and lawmakers to connect and talk about key issues in California’s manufacturing industry. With light refreshments, small bites, and a welcoming atmosphere, the event will bring a fun evening of networking, sharing ideas, and building relationships. 

To attend, please RSVP to Catalina Lira at clira@cmta.net or visit our event page for more details. 

 

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

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