Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) today announced the Wing Group has joined its statewide membership, bringing decades of expertise in safety and survival equipment to the association.
Based in Northern California with a facility in Arcata, Wing Group designs and manufactures highly specialized inflatable systems and safety equipment used in aerospace, defense, and maritime applications. The company’s products play a critical role in mission readiness and emergency response, including life-saving equipment used by military personnel and first responders.
The Wing Group recently contributed to NASA’s Artemis II mission through its portfolio of companies, supplying the watercraft used to recover astronauts upon landing, as well as life jackets, rescue suits, life rafts, and onboard safety equipment.
“The Wing Group plays a vital role in some of the most complex aerospace and defense missions,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “From astronaut recovery to onboard crew safety, their work highlights the expertise California manufacturers of all sizes bring to mission-critical operations.”
The Wing Group will also join CMTA’s Aerospace & Defense Alliance of California (ADAC), a coalition of manufacturers and industry leaders focused on advancing policies that strengthen California’s position as a global hub for aerospace and defense innovation.
“We’re excited to join CMTA and connect with manufacturers across California,” Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group. “Our safety, recovery, and survival systems are part of a powerful statewide network supplying some of the most demanding aerospace and defense operations in the world. We look forward to collaborating with those industry partners through CMTA’s ADAC group and beyond.”
With the addition of the Wing Group, CMTA continues to expand its network of manufacturers in the aerospace and defense sector, reinforcing California’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and national security.
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About CMTA and ADAC
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 $382 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.2 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.
The Aerospace and Defense Alliance of California (ADAC), formed by CMTA members, addresses state policy issues unique to the aerospace and defense industry. California is a global leader in aerospace, aviation, defense, space science R&D, and advanced manufacturing. ADAC brings together industry leaders to advocate for policies that strengthen California’s position as a global hub for aerospace innovation. Working alongside CMTA, ADAC promotes a competitive business climate, supports workforce development, and encourages continued investment in research, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
About Wing Group
The Wing Group and its companies (Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, Mustang Survival, and Kokatat) deliver confidence to the world’s most demanding marine and aviation users through innovative and high-quality technical solutions – on, over and under the water. The Wing Group is a leader in inflatable boats, life rafts, flotation, dry suits, and other tactical and survival solutions for recreational, commercial, and military customers.