California’s manufacturing sector is known for its innovation and vital role in the economy. Over 200,000 public votes were cast to celebrate the “Coolest Thing Made in California” during Manufacturing Month in October. The competition highlighted four exceptional products, showcasing the state’s manufacturing prowess and creativity.
Highlighting Innovative Products
The top contenders for this year’s recognition included:
- Siemen’s Amtrak Airo Trainset, manufactured in Sacramento.
- Phillips 66’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel, produced in Rodeo.
- Saildrone’s Voyager, made in Alameda.
This contest not only honors innovative products but also emphasizes California’s extensive manufacturing capabilities. The state employs over 1.24 million people across approximately 45,000 manufacturing establishments.
California: A Leader in Aerospace and Defense
California stands as a global leader in aerospace and defense. It houses one-third of the nation’s space technology companies and has the highest number of aerospace engineers and defense personnel. Notably, Lockheed Martin plays a significant role in this sector.
Lockheed Martin supports thousands of skilled jobs across its various facilities. One of the most renowned is the Skunk Works site in Palmdale, famous for developing the X-59 aircraft.
Advancements in Supersonic Flight
For over a decade, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has collaborated with NASA to address the challenges of supersonic flight, particularly the sonic boom. The innovative X-59 is designed to minimize noise during flight, producing a low-noise sonic “thump.”
The research conducted will gather community responses to the aircraft’s noise levels, providing crucial data for future regulations that may allow quiet commercial supersonic flights over land. This pivotal milestone could revolutionize air travel, enabling passengers to reach global destinations in half the current time.
California’s Continued Manufacturing Growth
The California Jobs First Blueprint emphasizes the sector’s impact on various industries, including:
- Aerospace & Defense
- Clean Technology
- High Technology
- Life Sciences
- Agriculture and Water Management
In 2024, California exported an impressive $155.2 billion in manufactured goods. This achievement solidifies the state’s role as a powerhouse in global trade, continuing to deliver a wide range of products, from high-tech devices to pharmaceuticals.
