California Manufacturers & Technology Association

08/04/2026

A bill moving through the California legislature could restrict AI tools manufacturers use to keep their facilities safe.

CMTA President & CEO Lance Hastings spoke with The Sacramento Bee about AB 1883 and what it could mean for manufacturers who rely on AI tools to protect their facilities and workers. CMTA joined dozens of other organizations in opposing the bill. Read the full story below.

The measure would prohibit the use of AI surveillance technologies that collect neural data and analyze workers’ emotional state.

07/27/2026

Okay, California...let's see what you've got.👀 Nominations are OPEN for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California contest!

Whether you're a manufacturer proud of what your team builds or a Californian who loves seeing local innovation celebrated, nominate a product and tell us what you think deserves the title.🏆

Nominate through September 4 at CoolestThingCalifornia.com

07/17/2026

Two brackets. Twice the competition. Twice the California manufacturing pride.

New this year: the Coolest Thing Made in California contest will feature TWO brackets. Take a look at how the Large Manufacturers Bracket and SMM Bracket work, and why we're putting a dedicated spotlight on the small and medium-sized manufacturers across our state. ⬇️

Start thinking about which California-made products you'll submit when nominations open on July 29. 💭 ⏰

Learn more about the contest: coolestthingcalifornia.com

07/14/2026

Some of the coolest products in the world are made right here in California, and in just a few weeks, you can nominate the ones you think deserve the title. 👑

CMTA's Coolest Thing Made in California contest is back this summer! Nominations open July 27, so now's the time to start thinking about the California-made products you want to see compete.

🗓️ Nominations open: July 27-September 4
🗳️ Public voting begins: September 14

New this year: we're adding an SMM Bracket to spotlight the incredible products made by California's small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). Don't worry, the contest will run the same as always, just with more opportunities to vote for even more California-made innovation. Learn more about the SMM Bracket here ➡️ coolestthingcalifornia.com/smms

So, what's the first California-made product that comes to mind? 👇

07/13/2026

With California's new $352 billion state budget signed, manufacturers face new limits on business tax credits, including the R&D credit, along with a new sales tax on certain software products.

CMTA President & CEO Lance Hastings spoke with Spectrum News California about how these added costs won't just affect manufacturers, they add pressure to the affordability challenges Californians are already feeling.

Watch it here. ⬇️

He noted the budget approved this year puts more money into state reserves

07/08/2026

What's the state of California's manufacturing industry? We let the numbers do the talking!

California is the #1 state in manufacturing employment in the country.

💰 $382B GDP contribution (~10% of CA's total economic output!)
👷 1.2M manufacturing employees
💵 $159K average annual salary
🏭 45K manufacturing companies statewide
✅ 89% of those companies are small businesses

And the ripple effect goes further: every 1 manufacturing job supports 3.5 additional jobs across the broader economy.

Manufacturing isn't just an industry, it's a foundation for California's economic strength 💪

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

This year we celebrate 250 years of American spirit and innovation.

Since our nation’s founding, manufacturing has played a critical role in building a stronger, more prosperous future. Today, California manufacturers continue that legacy by driving progress across industries and creating the technologies and products that power our everyday lives.

07/02/2026

Your Fourth of July celebration probably includes products made by manufacturers with facilities right here in California. 🇺🇸

Whether it's food and beverages or backyard essentials, manufacturers help make holiday traditions possible while supporting jobs and communities across the state.

As you celebrate this weekend, take a moment to appreciate the industry behind the products that bring people together.

07/01/2026

For 250 years, America has pushed boundaries and turned bold ideas into reality.

From historic achievements to the next generation of space exploration, American manufacturers continue to power progress and demonstrate what happens when innovation has the freedom to thrive.

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the manufacturers who continue to dream big and make America a global leader 🇺🇸 💫

06/30/2026