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. 

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...

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...

Nexamp Solar Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new associate member, Nexamp Solar, to the organization today. “I am honored to welcome our newest associate member to CMTA,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of...

Fourth-Generation Walnut Manufacturer Joins CMTA

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...

Press Release

Schneider Electric Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Schneider Electric to the organization today.

Schneider Electric is a global industrial technology leader and a powerhouse of energy distribution, industrial optimization, and digitalization. The company works to create impact by empowering all to make the most of energy and resources. Schneider Electric transforms energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure with digital solutions and empowers customers in states like California to measure, deliver, and save energy.

“I’m very excited to have Schneider Electric join CMTA as a member,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical for the future of manufacturing and technology, and Schneider Electric’s leadership on these fronts reflects the future forward goals we work toward.”

“Schneider Electric develops and deploys innovative solutions critical to electrification, digitalization, and industrial optimization across all sectors of the economy,” said Michele Hix, Vice President of Strategic Customers at Schneider Electric North America. “Our technological expertise and commitment to next-generation manufacturing, coupled with CMTA’s advocacy for pro-growth policies, will help strengthen our ability to drive sustainable innovation in California.”

Schneider Electric has had a presence in the U.S. for more than 135 years and is a vital part of California’s efforts to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. The company employs more than 900 team members across the state in Pleasanton, Menlo Park, Chino, Lake Forest, and Costa Mesa. The company’s government and community partnerships extend from installing a battery energy storage system at Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar to helping Modesto City Schools pioneer sustainability in education through installing charging infrastructure.

The company was recently ranked as one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025, and the company is proud to be recognized as a 2025 Gold Military Friendly® employer.

In 2024, TIME magazine ranked Schneider Electric as the world’s most sustainable company.

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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 $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to create impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

Largest Flexible Packaging Manufacturer for Produce Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif.The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Emerald Packaging to the organization today. For 60 years, Emerald Packaging has been reinventing produce packaging and is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer for produce in the U.S.

“I am excited to welcome Emerald Packaging to CMTA’s network of members,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “The company is a leader in sustainable packaging and exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that drives California’s manufacturing sector.”

The company has led the industry in addressing plastic waste for more than 20 years, and most recently helped shape California legislation that addresses the need for a better recycling infrastructure. Emerald Packaging introduced the first compostable packaging in the produce industry 15 years ago and continues to be recognized in the manufacturing sector for its innovation.

“We are excited to join CMTA and proud to be part of its influential network,” said Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging. “As a leader in sustainable packaging, we share CMTA’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping a brighter future for manufacturing in California.”

Emerald Packaging is also one of the few flexible packaging companies in the U.S. to become an Ellen MacArther signatory. Under its MacArthur commitments, the company will help drive the adoption of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) in food packaging and has committed to taking steps to make reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging in accordance with the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment (NPEGC).

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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 $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.

About Emerald Packaging

Emerald Packaging has been reinventing produce packaging for 60 years and is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer for produce in the U.S. The company specializes in fresh produce and bagged salads for many of today’s leading food companies nationwide. For over two decades, Emerald Packaging has led the industry in addressing plastic waste, most recently helping shape legislation in California that addresses the need for a better recycling infrastructure. Emerald is one of the few manufacturers to win California Green Business certification for its waste, water, and energy reduction efforts. It introduced the first compostable packaging in the produce industry 15 years ago and continues to test and experiment with new materials as they become available.

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!

 

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