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. 

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

J&J, Caterpillar Inc., and Novartis Invest in U.S. Manufacturing: Manufacturing Minute

This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights CMTA members leading the way with major investments and advancements in workforce development, U.S. manufacturing, and pharmaceutical innovation.

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

 

Caterpillar Inc. Pledges $100M to Upskill Workforce for the AI Era

 

Lafayette – Circa May 2020: Caterpillar Logistics Service Center. Cat Logistics provides supply chain solutions to Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc., a leader in construction and mining equipment, is committing $100 million over the next five years to upskill its workforce in response to rapid technological advancements. With the global labor market evolving, particularly due to robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), Caterpillar plans to train workers in these critical areas, including digital twins and machine learning models. This initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to address the manufacturing skills gap and prepare its workforce for the demands of the future, which will include a greater need for both technology-related skills and human-centered skills like leadership and social influence. 

 

Johnson & Johnson Increases U.S. Investment to More Than $55B

 

New Brunswick, NJ, USA. May 2, 2022. Editorial Use Only, 3D CGI. Johnson & Johnson Signage Logo on Top of Glass Building. Workplace of Pharmaceutical Industry Company Office Headquarters.

In other news, Johnson & Johnson has announced a significant increase in its U.S. investments, pledging more than $55 billion over the next four years. This investment, which includes plans to break ground on a $2 billion facility in North Carolina, aims to expand the company’s manufacturing, research, and development capabilities. The funds will support the creation of four new advanced manufacturing facilities, as well as the expansion of existing sites, which will generate thousands of high-paying jobs. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson is focusing on investments in R&D to develop life-saving treatments in critical areas such as oncology, immunology, and robotic surgery, further solidifying its commitment to American innovation and manufacturing. 

 

Novartis Plans to Invest $23B in U.S. Manufacturing

 

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical giant Novartis is making a $23 billion commitment to build and expand 10 manufacturing and R&D facilities in the U.S. over the next five years. In response to renewed drug tariff threats from the Trump administration, Novartis will invest in new manufacturing plants, including some for producing raw pharmaceutical ingredients, and a new R&D center in San Diego, California. This investment will create more than 5,000 jobs, including positions for engineers, scientists, and support staff. The expansion highlights Novartis’ commitment to the U.S. market while also addressing the challenges posed by potential drug import duties, demonstrating a continued push to bolster its manufacturing presence in the country. 

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

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

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 create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai America offers highly efficient home and business comfort solutions, including tankless water heaters, condensing gas boilers, and more.

“Having Rinnai join CMTA only further strengthens our membership network of innovative manufacturers and forward thinkers,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Their expertise in advanced manufacturing, efficiency, and sustainability will bring valuable insights and resources to our members and California’s manufacturing and technology sectors.”

The company is committed to providing a wide range of comfort solutions to the North American market. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in the market including the opening of its world class innovation center and the construction of its manufacturing facility in Griffin, GA.

“Our brand promise is Creating a healthier way of living® which is very focused on improving the lives of our customers. California is a very important market for Rinnai, and we have many opportunities to enhance consumers’ lives with our highly efficient home comfort solutions,” said Frank Windsor, President of Rinnai America Corporations. “We are excited and proud to be joining CMTA to ensure consumers and businesses have options to choose the best heating and water heating solutions available.”

While known as a leader in the tankless water heating category, Rinnai has expanded its product portfolio to include a full line of residential and commercial gas boilers, as well as its Electric Heat Pump Water Heater.

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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 Rinnai

Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. Rinnai America offers a wide variety of highly efficient home and business comfort solutions, including tankless water heaters, condensing gas boilers, space heating furnaces, and electric heat pump water heaters. With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai America is committed to quality, safety, and Creating a healthier way of living®. For more information about Rinnai’s entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us.

Manufacturing Minute: California’s First New Steel Mill in 50 Years Begins Construction

This week’s Manufacturing Minute brings attention to significant developments in steel manufacturing, electrical products, and workers’ compensation solutions for California manufacturers. 

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

 

Pacific Steel Breaks Ground on New Steel Manufacturing Facility in California

 

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Steel Group

Pacific 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.

 

Siemens Invests $95M to Expand California Manufacturing

 

Photo Courtesy of Siemens

Siemens is also making strides in California, investing $95 million to expand its low-voltage electrical products manufacturing facility in Pomona. The new 100,000-square-foot facility will increase production capacity for critical electrical products needed in the industrial, commercial, and construction sectors. The expansion will create 123 new jobs and is part of Siemens’ ongoing efforts to meet growing market demand. The facility will be built with sustainable construction practices and is set to become the first LEED Gold-certified industrial building in Pomona. Key features of the new hub include a rooftop solar canopy that will supply 32% of the facility’s electricity and innovative technologies like an all-electric powder coat paint line and battery-energy storage systems. 

 

CMTA Partners With CompScience and Bender Insurance Solutions for New Workers’ Comp Program

 

In another important development, CMTA, CompScience, and Bender Insurance Solutions have partnered to launch a new workers’ compensation insurance program tailored specifically for California manufacturers. This program, underwritten by AmTrust Financial, covers over 300 manufacturing class codes and offers competitive pricing with an additional 5% discount for CMTA members. The program is designed to address rising workers’ compensation costs and enhance workplace safety for manufacturers. Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA, emphasized the program’s value in providing personalized safety improvements and reducing claims costs, offering manufacturers a much-needed solution to the growing challenges in workplace safety and insurance.

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

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