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.
Leading Developer in Energy Storage Solutions Joins CMTA
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...
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
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch Achieves Hypersonic Flight Milestone in California
From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard tug, Stratolaunch’s successful reusable hypersonic flight, and Siemens Healthineers’ $150 million investment to expand U.S. operations and relocate production from Mexico to California.
These developments underscore the state’s leadership in sustainability, aerospace, and advanced medical technology.
Marine Group Boat Works Launches First Electric Yard Tug

Photo Courtesy of Marine Group Boat Works
First, Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW), a family-owned shipbuilder based in Chula Vista, California, has completed San Diego’s first conversion of a diesel yard tugboat to fully electric propulsion. The tug, MARCO V, was retrofitted with a state-of-the-art electric operating system, offering comparable performance to diesel engines while producing zero emissions. This initiative demonstrates MGBW’s commitment to sustainability, complementing its already electric-heavy fleet and upcoming 750kW solar installation—set to make it the only solar-powered boatbuilder in California. With over 2,000 labor hours invested in the project, MARCO V now serves as a working model for scalable, cost-effective electric tug repowers, advancing California’s goal for zero-emission propulsion systems by 2035.
Stratolaunch Reaches Hypersonic Milestone

Photo Courtesy of Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch, an aerospace company headquartered in California, has successfully completed its second hypersonic test flight and recovery with the Talon-A2 (TA-2) vehicle, confirming its reusability and performance at speeds exceeding Mach 5. The March 2025 mission builds on the success of a similar flight and recovery in December 2024, further advancing the U.S.’s capacity for reusable hypersonic systems since the end of the X-15 program in 1968. Conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s MACH-TB program and Leidos, these test flights are designed to accelerate hypersonic development timelines. CEO Dr. Zachary Krevor praised the team’s achievements, which included executing multiple Roc and Talon-A test flights within a single year.
Siemens Healthineers Invest $150M in US Manufacturing

Photo Courtesy of Siemens Healthineers
Finally, Siemens Healthineers announced a $150 million investment to expand its U.S. operations, including relocating manufacturing for its radiation oncology unit, Varian, from Mexico to Palo Alto, California. The move is expected to create 50 new jobs and simplify the company’s supply chain, especially as it faces tariff pressures from both European and Mexican imports. In addition to this relocation, Siemens is investing $141 million in a new Experience Center in North Carolina to strengthen research and innovation efforts in the U.S. These investments are part of the company’s strategy to mitigate international trade impacts and respond more efficiently to demand for its advanced radiotherapy solutions.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.
Manufacturing Minute: Anheuser-Busch Invests $300M in U.S. Manufacturing
Anheuser-Busch is investing $300 million in U.S. manufacturing, continuing its 165-year legacy of American production. This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights how CMTA member companies Anheuser-Busch and John Deere, along with the Small Business Administration, are driving growth and innovation across the domestic manufacturing sector.
Anheuser-Busch Announces $300M Investment Across U.S. Facilities

Photo Courtesy of Anheuser-Busch
First, Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment in its manufacturing operations nationwide for 2025. This investment builds on nearly $2 billion spent over the past five years to enhance facilities, advance technology, and grow the workforce. A key focus of this initiative, called Brewing Futures, is expanding the company’s Technical Excellence Centers, including a new regional facility in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at upskilling employees and opening doors to trade school students and educators. Anheuser-Busch is also pioneering veteran workforce support by partnering with the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program and adopting a digital credentialing system to translate military skills into manufacturing careers. Steel has officially broken ground on its Mojave Micro Mill, marking the first steel mill to be built in California in over 50 years. Located in Mojave, California, this 500,000-square-foot facility is expected to create nearly 700 new jobs, including roles for electricians, welders, and automation specialists. The mill will set new standards in clean steel manufacturing, featuring innovative carbon capture and high-efficiency filtration systems to minimize emissions. Furthermore, the project supports California’s carbon-neutral goals by dedicating 63 acres to on-site renewable energy. With a focus on producing steel for public infrastructure, the mill is positioned to localize the supply chain and contribute to regional economic growth.
John Deere Commits $20 Billion to Expand U.S. Manufacturing

Photo Courtesy of John Deere
John Deere reaffirmed its commitment to U.S. manufacturing with a pledge to invest $20 billion over the next decade. CEO John May emphasized that the investment will support workforce development, facility upgrades, and manufacturing expansions across more than a dozen states. This plan builds on Deere’s $2.5 billion investment since 2019 and includes $100 million dedicated to U.S. facilities in 2025 alone. Despite challenges and some operations moving overseas, John Deere currently employs 30,000 people in the U.S. and has a significant economic impact on its hometown communities. The company also continues to prioritize veteran hiring and diversity initiatives as part of its broader workforce development efforts.
Small Business Administration Boosts ‘Made in America’ Manufacturing with New Funding

The United States Capitol
Finally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is ramping up support for small and mid-sized manufacturers through new funding and training opportunities. As part of its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, the SBA will award up to $1.1 million to three organizations that provide business courses, hands-on training, and consulting to small manufacturers nationwide. The agency is also working to reduce regulatory burdens and expand financing options, including proposed legislation to increase small business loan limits from $5 million to $10 million. These efforts aim to strengthen the manufacturing sector by helping smaller companies grow their operations and workforce in today’s competitive market.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.
Nationally Recognized Firm Eide Bailly Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Eide Bailly to the organization today. Eide Bailly is a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing leaders of all levels with solutions addressing their most pressing business challenges.
“CMTA welcomes Eide Bailly to our growing membership base,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “The firm’s expertise in accounting, consulting, and business advisory services adds tremendous value to our membership and strengthens our collective commitment to advancing California’s manufacturing industry.”
With a seasoned manufacturing and distribution advisory team serving more than 2,000 clients, Eide Bailly offers experience and insight to help clients overcome inefficiencies, enhance productivity, boost performance, and optimize operations for lasting success through the creation and execution of strategic operational plans.
“In a rapidly evolving industry, manufacturers must rely on trusted advisors to navigate challenges and execute a strategic vision with speed and insight,” said Bill Garcia, Partner, West Region Manufacturing Leader at Eide Bailly. “Eide Bailly is proud to partner with CMTA to support California’s manufacturing community through forward-thinking strategies, advocacy, and a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth.”
The nationally recognized firm serves clients across geographies and generations, recently being recognized as #11 in Vault’s list of Top Accounting Firms – Eide Bailly’s highest placement to date.
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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 Eide Bailly
Eide Bailly is a nationally recognized certified public accounting and business advisory firm committed to empowering leaders of all levels with solutions to address their most pressing business challenges. With a team of over 3,500 talented professionals, the firm brings specialized knowledge and industry depth to help clients achieve greater efficiency and support their continued growth.