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.
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...
16 Products Advance in CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase
Voting to eliminate eight products begins Monday, August 26 Sacramento, Calif. – Almost 85,000 votes later, 16 products advanced and will go head-to-head, competing for the title of the “Coolest Thing Made in California.” Over 135 products were nominated for the 2nd...
Manufacturing Minute: Northrop Grumman’s Historic Launch of its Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission in California
In this week's Manufacturing Minute, we highlight three significant developments in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Minute is released bi-weekly by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and is powered by Tri Tool Technologies....
Voting Begins for CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase
Popular Round voting is open to the public Sacramento, Calif. – Over 140 California-made products are competing in the California Manufacturers & Technology Association’s (CMTA) 2nd annual contest, vying for the title of the “Coolest Thing Made in California.”...
Press Release
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.
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.
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Porsche Consulting Joins CMTA’s Member Network
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 was founded in 1994 out of the successful transformation of Porsche into one of the world’s most profitable and admired sports and luxury car companies.
“It’s with great pride and excitement that we welcome Porsche Consulting to CMTA,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “As the industry evolves, having a partner like Porsche Consulting—rooted in world-class strategy and efficiency—will help California manufacturers stay competitive and drive forward innovation.”
Porsche Consulting works with companies globally to assist in strategic development and performance management. With a strong operational heritage, Porsche Consulting is uniquely positioned to deliver its expertise across a diverse set of industries, from mobility to life sciences, from industrial goods to energy and aerospace, and from construction to consumer goods.
“We are excited to join CMTA and look forward to contributing to the dynamic manufacturing community throughout California,” said Gregor Harman, President & CEO – North America, at Porsche Consulting. “With a mutual goal of supporting businesses through innovation, Porsche Consulting is thrilled to work alongside CMTA to foster sustainable growth across the industry.”
The consultancy has supported some of the world’s largest companies in solving complex problems around operations strategy, performance improvement, supply chain management, procurement, and digital transformation.
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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 Porsche Consulting
Porsche Consulting is a leading consultancy for putting strategies into practice, they have a clear mission: to generate competitive advantage based on measurable results. They think strategically and act pragmatically — while always focusing on people.
They provide excellence in the fields of Strategy and Organization, Brand and Sales, Development and Technology, as well as Operations from locations in Germany, Italy, France, China, Brazil, and the U.S.
Schneider Electric Joins CMTA
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 optimization, and digitalization. The company works to create impact by empowering all to make the most of energy and resources. Schneider Electric transforms energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure with digital solutions and empowers customers in states like California to measure, deliver, and save energy.
“I’m very excited to have Schneider Electric join CMTA as a member,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical for the future of manufacturing and technology, and Schneider Electric’s leadership on these fronts reflects the future forward goals we work toward.”
“Schneider Electric develops and deploys innovative solutions critical to electrification, digitalization, and industrial optimization across all sectors of the economy,” said Michele Hix, Vice President of Strategic Customers at Schneider Electric North America. “Our technological expertise and commitment to next-generation manufacturing, coupled with CMTA’s advocacy for pro-growth policies, will help strengthen our ability to drive sustainable innovation in California.”
Schneider Electric has had a presence in the U.S. for more than 135 years and is a vital part of California’s efforts to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. The company employs more than 900 team members across the state in Pleasanton, Menlo Park, Chino, Lake Forest, and Costa Mesa. The company’s government and community partnerships extend from installing a battery energy storage system at Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar to helping Modesto City Schools pioneer sustainability in education through installing charging infrastructure.
The company was recently ranked as one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025, and the company is proud to be recognized as a 2025 Gold Military Friendly® employer.
In 2024, TIME magazine ranked Schneider Electric as the world’s most sustainable company.
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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 Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to create impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.
Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.
We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.
We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.