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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. 

First Major Tankless Brand Assembled in U.S. Joins CMTA

Apr 15, 2025

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rinnai to the organization. Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974. With a global perspective to...

Porsche Consulting Joins CMTA’s Member Network

Apr 9, 2025

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Porsche Consulting to the organization in March. The consulting firm is a leading management consultancy from Germany with offices located around the world. It...

Schneider Electric Joins CMTA

Apr 1, 2025

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...

Largest Flexible Packaging Manufacturer for Produce Joins CMTA

Mar 13, 2025

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...

As Seen On TV: Women in Manufacturing California-Made Products

Mar 6, 2025

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,...

Leading Developer in Energy Storage Solutions Joins CMTA

Mar 4, 2025

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent) to the organization today. Convergent is a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America. The...

Press Release

Manufacturing Minute: California Forever Proposes Massive Manufacturing Hub in Solano County

Jul 23, 2025

From award-winning sustainability efforts to creative visions for reindustrialization, this week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies, showcases how California continues to lead in innovation and industry growth.

In this episode, Marathon Petroleum earns top environmental honors at the Port of Long Beach, California Forever reveals plans for what could be the largest advanced manufacturing park in the U.S., and CMTA kicks off its annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest. 

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

 

Marathon Petroleum Honored for Sustainability Efforts 

 

Photo: Marathon Petroleum

Marathon Petroleum has received the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award for its continued participation in the port’s voluntary vessel speed reduction program. The initiative encourages ships to travel at 12 knots within 40 nautical miles of the port to significantly reduce smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates. Marathon Petroleum has been a long-standing partner in this effort, helping prevent more than 1,000 tons of air pollution annually.

“Earning the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award year after year is part of our unwavering commitment to the environment and to the communities where we operate,” said Ashlee Gattuso, Commercial Marine Operations Manager at Marathon Petroleum.

 

California Forever Proposes High-Tech Manufacturing Hub

 

Photo: California Forever

Meanwhile, the team behind California Forever has revealed plans for Solano Foundry, a 2,100-acre manufacturing park that could become the largest advanced manufacturing site in the U.S.

CEO Jan Sramek revealed the project at the Reindustrialize Summit in Detroit in July 2025, describing it as a 40 million-square-foot hub for industries such as robotics, advanced transportation, energy, and defense. The project is expected to create 40,000 jobs, and the site would be located just seven miles from the proposed deep-water shipyard. These plans mark the third major concept introduced as part of California Forever’s broader vision for a master-planned city in southeast Solano County, aimed at transforming the region into a national leader by uniting research, development, and production within a single, innovation-focused ecosystem.

CMTA’s Coolest Thing Made in California Contest 

 

Finally, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association has officially opened nominations for the third annual Coolest Thing Made in California contest. This public, bracket-style competition showcases the innovation and creativity of the state’s manufacturers, an industry that supports 1.3 million jobs and contributes $310 billion to the state’s GDP. From July 21 to August 29, the public can submit a nomination for a product made in California.

Voting begins in September with four rounds: 

September 8–11 (Popular Round) 

September 15–18 (Top 16) 

September 22–25 (Top 8) 

September 29–October 3 (Top 4) 

The winner will be announced on October 22 at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Submit your nomination at coolestthingcalifornia.com and secure your spot to attend the celebration here: Coolest Thing Celebration Event. 

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

CMTA Announces 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest

Jul 21, 2025

CMTA presents the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in California award to Northrop Grumman, for the world’s fastest microchip, on October 18, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – California is home to the world’s fastest microchip, zero-emission supercars, and now, the search is on to crown the next “Coolest Thing Made in California.” The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to announce the third year of the contest, which celebrates the innovation and creativity of California’s manufacturing sector. As global supply chains shift and reshoring trends accelerate, California’s 30,000 manufacturers are proving that world-class innovation still starts here in the Golden State.

The “Coolest Thing Made in California” competition is the only contest of its kind in the state, with a bracket-style tournament in which the public can nominate and vote for their favorite products made in California. This contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in the state’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the annual GDP.

“Manufacturing is the backbone of California’s economy. The industry drives innovation, creates high-wage jobs and produces the essential goods that support our everyday lives,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “In a rapidly changing global landscape, it is critical now more than ever to support and celebrate the ingenuity and resilience of our state’s manufacturing sector. I am very excited to see what the public nominates and votes for in this year’s contest.”

Each year, the contest makes headlines for its recognition of unique California-made products and the awareness it brings to manufacturers across the state. The 2024 contest brought in more than 246,000 votes and reached an estimated audience of 34 million people through social media and broadcast platforms combined. With past finalists including everything from edible cups to personal air taxis, each product represents cutting edge thinkers and technological advancements. This year, with a longer nomination period and a strong fanbase, the contest is highly anticipated.

How it works:

  1. Nominate: July 21-August 29
    During this timeframe, anyone can submit a nomination for a product made in California at coolestthingcalifornia.com. Products that reached the Top 4 Round in 2024 are not eligible.
  2. Vote: September 8-October 3
    The public votes weekly in four bracket-style rounds. Each round narrows the field until a winner is determined.
    • Popular round: September 8-11
    • Top 16: September 15-18
    • Top 8: September 22-25
    • Top 4: September 29-October 3
  3. Celebrate: October 22
    The winner is formally announced at the Coolest Thing Made in California Celebration on October 22, 2025, at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.

To learn more about the competition and nominate a product, go to coolesthingcalifornia.com.

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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.

 

Trusted Cybersecurity and Compliance Company Joins CMTA

Jul 10, 2025

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity solutions has never been more urgent. ISSE Services specializes in helping manufacturers of all sizes safeguard their operations, intellectual property, and supply chains against evolving cyber threats.

“I’m glad to welcome ISSE Services and eager to connect them with other CMTA members who will benefit from their expertise,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Cybersecurity is critical for the safety and confidentiality of many manufacturers’ operations, especially as we strengthen the industry in the digital age.”

As some manufacturers become part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), ISSE Services helps businesses navigate the complex requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), ensuring they remain eligible for DoD contracts. Their team understands the unique needs of Operational Technology (OT), SCADA systems, and industrial IoT environments, delivering practical solutions without disrupting production. With headquarters in California and clients across the U.S., ISSE Services brings local insight with national expertise.

“California’s manufacturers are building the future, but they need to do so securely,” said Kevin Spease, President at ISSE Services. “Our goal is to help businesses not just meet compliance requirements, but build cyber resilience that protects their innovation, reputation, and growth.”

As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity solutions has never been more urgent. CMTA members interested in learning more about the company are invited to schedule a complimentary cybersecurity consultation or connect with ISSE Services at info@isse-services.com.

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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 ISSE Services
ISSE Services offers a variety of consultations and assistance that aim to strengthen digital security. With a certified expert team, ISSE Services has specialized in cybersecurity for the U.S. Department of Defense for more than 20 years. The company has grown by bringing in members from industries including healthcare, commercial airlines, law, industrial engineering, and multiple cybersecurity firms, providing a breadth of knowledge to handle any situation. To learn more, visit isse-services.com or contact info@isse-services.com.

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