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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

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, 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!

 

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 organization has more than a decade of experience financing and managing the energy storage development cycle, which helps customers reduce electricity costs and increase reliability. The company’s commercial, industrial, and utility-scale assets can yield seven-figure savings while advancing the clean energy transition. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Convergent to CMTA’s membership. Their team brings valuable expertise that will help California’s manufacturers navigate the evolving energy landscape,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Reliable and cost-effective energy solutions are critical for maintaining a strong and competitive manufacturing sector, and Convergent’s commitment to innovation aligns with CMTA’s mission to support sustainable and resilient manufacturing in our state.”

Energy storage is crucial for a more flexible and resilient grid. It allows electrons to be stored during times of low demand and dispatched during times of high demand. More storage on the grid means lower grid peaks, and results in less power needed overall.

“The power grid is the single most expensive thing America has ever built, and it is not prepared to meet this moment of crisis, as defined by increasing electrification, urbanization, and extreme weather events,” said Johannes Ritterhausen, CEO of Convergent. “Energy storage, especially when paired with solar, is the answer to many of today’s challenges.”

Convergent has continually delivered many industry “firsts,” consistently proving that energy storage will contribute meaningfully to a clean energy future.

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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 Convergent Energy and Power

Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent) is a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America. Convergent has over a decade of experience financing and managing all aspects of the energy storage development cycle to help customers reduce electricity costs and increase reliability. The company’s commercial, industrial, and utility-scale assets can yield seven-figure savings while advancing the clean energy transition. Convergent’s proprietary asset management platform, PEAK IQ® leverages machine learning and deep market knowledge to optimize asset performance and maximize value. Convergent has over $1bn invested in or committed to assets in operation or under development across North America.

Tesla Prepares for Optimus Bot Production in California: Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Minute

Feb 12, 2025

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights key advancements in robotics, aerospace, and AI-driven manufacturing. 

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

 

Tesla’s Optimus Bot Production at Fremont Facility 

Photo Courtesy of Sundry Photography

Tesla, a CMTA member, is expanding its robotics division, hiring engineers at its Fremont factory to advance production of the Optimus humanoid robot. The company has listed at least 12 new positions, signaling momentum in its automation efforts. CEO Elon Musk recently stated that Tesla could build up to 10,000 robots this year, with deliveries beginning in 2026. As the company scales production, Musk estimates that once output reaches one million units annually, the Optimus bot could be priced as low as $20,000. This expansion marks Tesla’s strategic move to diversify beyond electric vehicles and tap into emerging automation markets. 

Honeywell Splits into Three Focused Companies 

 

Photo Courtesy of Robert

Honeywell International, a CMTA board member company, has announced plans to streamline its portfolio by spinning off its aerospace and automation divisions into independent public companies. Honeywell Automation will focus on industrial technologies and software to enhance productivity, while Honeywell Aerospace will continue supplying propulsion, cockpit, and navigation systems for commercial and defense aircraft. The split, set for completion in late 2026, follows Honeywell’s earlier decision to separate its advanced materials business, further refining its focus on automation, aviation technology, and clean energy. These strategic moves position the company for long-term growth in high-tech manufacturing sectors. 

Stellantis Leverages AI for Automotive Innovation  

 

Photo Courtesy of piter2121

In another major development, Stellantis, a CMTA board member and the world’s fourth-largest automaker, is expanding its strategic AI partnership with Mistral AI. This collaboration aims to revolutionize vehicle engineering, enhance in-car experiences, and optimize manufacturing operations through AI-driven innovation. Leveraging Mistral AI’s expertise in large language models and automation, Stellantis plans to strengthen data analysis, streamline product development, and improve customer interactions. A key initiative includes developing an advanced AI-powered in-car assistant to provide real-time, conversational support for drivers. As automakers increasingly integrate AI to refine manufacturing processes and accelerate innovation, this partnership reinforces Stellantis’s leadership in AI-driven automotive advancements. 

 

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

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