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.
CMTA’S President & CEO Releases Statement on Passage of AB 98 (J. Carrillo)
Sacramento, Calif. – California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) President and CEO, Lance Hastings, released the following statement on the passage of Assembly Bill 98 (J. Carrillo), the statewide mandate on warehouse operations. “On Sunday evening,...
Op-Ed: AI Needs Carefully Crafted Regulations That Foster Innovation
-This commentary was originally published in Capitol Weekly's September Issue, written by Lance Hastings and Samantha Corbin. Hastings is the President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), and Corbin is the Senior Policy Advisor...
WEBINAR: Data-Driven Solutions for ESG in Manufacturing
Webinar presented by Adastra and CMTA Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted an exclusive webinar with associate member Adastra, exploring data-driven ESG solutions in manufacturing on Sept. 24, 2024. CMTA's Vice...
Supply Chain Operating System Startup for Manufacturers Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member, Soff, to the organization today. Based in San Francisco, Soff is a supply chain operating system for manufacturing companies. The startup company works to unify...
CMTA’s CEO & President Releases Statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoing Manufacturing Tax Credit, AB 52 (Grayson)
Sacramento, Calif. – Late Friday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom returned AB 52 (Grayson) to the Legislature without his signature. This bill would have provided an investment tax credit for the purchase of manufacturing equipment. In his veto message,...
How AB 52, Manufacturing Tax Credit, Will Expand California Jobs
California manufacturing generates more than $394 billion annually and employs more than 1.3 million people with over 30,000 firms. Our manufacturers are the most significant contributor to the United States manufacturing industry, making up 11% of the manufacturing...
Four Products Make the Final Round of the “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest
Voting for the winner starts Monday, Sept. 9 Sacramento, Calif. – The four finalists of the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest, hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), have been announced. From a pool of 138 products...
CMTA Government Relations Update: California Assembly Bill Would Create Tax Credit for Manufacturers
This month’s Government Relations Update video highlights crucial legislative developments for California’s manufacturing sector. https://youtu.be/F8B9bRRI5s8 This proposed legislation, which aims to introduce a manufacturing tax credit for qualified manufacturing...
Top Eight Announced in CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase
Voting to eliminate four products begins Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 Sacramento, Calif. – The bracket is narrowing for the “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), and eight products have racked...
EHS Consulting Firm ALL4 & Insurance Brokerage EPIC Join CMTA as Associate Members
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed several associate members to the organization today, including consulting agency ALL4 and Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC). “Our associate members play an important...
Press Release
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, launches, and operates rockets, satellites, and spacecraft components.
“The aerospace industry was created right here in California, and supports 39% of all of the jobs in manufacturing,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA’s CEO & President. “We are thrilled to bring in Rocket Lab as a new member as they have a proven track record of pushing California towards innovation.”
With 50+ launches and 200+ satellites delivered to space, Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, while its new larger and reusable rocket Neutron is scheduled to launch for the first time in 2025.
“We are thrilled to join the CMTA and help to create new opportunities for aerospace in our state’s manufacturing and technology communities, fostering a stronger, more innovative ecosystem for all,” said Frank Klein, Rocket Lab Chief Operations Officer.
Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and components are also supporting missions to the Moon and Mars for NASA, and its satellite components and subsystems are part of domestic and international space programs that support a range of causes from technology innovation and Earth imaging through to national security and weather monitoring.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 200+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. For more information, learn more here.
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.
CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association is proud to welcome Patti Poppe, CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), as the keynote speaker for the CMTA Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting. With extensive leadership experience at CMS Energy, DTE Energy, and General Motors, Patti brings invaluable insights into the evolving energy landscape. Beyond her role at PG&E, she serves on multiple industry boards, shaping the future of energy and infrastructure.
This two-day event, taking place March 26-27, 2025, at the Parker Palm Springs, will bring together CMTA members, legislators, and business leaders to discuss the state of manufacturing in California. Patti will share her expertise on energy transformation and its impact on the industry, alongside other distinguished speakers addressing key trends and innovations shaping the sector.
Stratolaunch’s $24.7M Hypersonic Flight Agreement
Photo Courtesy of Stratolaunch
In another major aerospace industry development, CMTA member Stratolaunch has been awarded a $24.7 million competitive agreement by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to support national defense through a cutting-edge hypersonic flight mission.
This funding will enable modifications to Stratolaunch’s Spirit of Mojave 747 launch platform, expanding the reach of its reusable Talon-A hypersonic vehicle to global locations. Set for the fourth quarter of 2025, the test mission will enhance the United States’ ability to develop and refine missile defense systems against emerging hypersonic threats. Stratolaunch’s advancements in hypersonic technology reinforce its position as a leader in national security innovation.
ZM Trucks Announces First U.S. Manufacturing Plant
Photo courtesy of ZM Trucks
Rounding out this week’s news, ZM Trucks, North America’s newest zero-emissions commercial truck brand, has announced the establishment of its first North American manufacturing plant in Fontana, California.
This milestone also marks the relocation of its regional headquarters to the 210,000-square-foot facility, further cementing its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. The new plant will serve as the foundation for ZM Trucks’ U.S. operations, producing electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment. With production set to begin in the first half of 2025, ZM Trucks is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy transportation across the country.
Stay up to date with all manufacturing news by following CMTA on social media.
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 makers having fewer than 25 employees,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA’s CEO & President. “Our makers need our support and I’m glad to welcome Voltek Ace to the organization.”
Founded in 2022, Voltek Ace offers advanced design and engineering services to local and national customers. The company offers manufacturing capabilities for high-reliability end markets including traffic, semiconductor, medical, industrial and renewable energy markets.
Founder and owner Shireen Bojja started the company after 12 years in the engineering industry. She was an R&D design engineer in Silicon Valley and Southern California.
“I am excited to be a part of CMTA as it connects manufacturers and STEM professionals with a powerful network of entrepreneurs, executives and women professionals who are shaping California’s economy,” said Bojja. “Collaborating and exchanging ideas with like-minded leaders could open doors to new partnerships, and career growth opportunities.”
The company also partners with organizations to design and manufacture power electronics products across multiple sectors. It maintains strong relationships with suppliers and clients across the United States and other global markets, ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery of specialized electronic components and systems.
Through Voltek Ace, power infrastructure projects for Caltrans, DOTs, and water management were implemented, to name a few. These implementations demonstrated effective traffic management, resulting in measurable traffic flow and system efficiency improvements across major metropolitan areas.
“CMTA advocates for policies that support manufacturing growth, innovation, and workforce development in California allowing discussions that shape industry policies, especially in areas like sustainability, energy efficiency, and small business development. It provides opportunities to mentor and encourage other women to pursue careers in STEM and manufacturing and highlights its members’ achievements while empowering them to inspire the next generation,” Bojja said.
The mission of Voltek Ace is to integrate technical excellence with business development and create a sustainable competitive advantage through innovative solutions for complex technical challenges in the electrical engineering sector.
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About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association 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 $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.
About Voltek Ace, LLC
Voltek Ace, LLC was established in 2022 and is located in the Golden State of California with a local and national customer focus, offering advanced design and engineering services. The company offers manufacturing capabilities for high-reliability end markets, including Traffic, Semiconductor, Medical, Industrial and Renewable Energy markets. For more information, visit their website here.