Super-delicate semiconductors to super-rugged communications equipment for extreme environments. Precisely machined aerospace components to precisely crafted musical instruments. Advanced polymers to advanced automation systems.
They’re all made right here on the Central Coast.
Spanning family-owned outfits, federal contractors, divisions of multinational corporations and publicly traded companies, these high-tech facilities rely on skilled technicians and cutting-edge equipment to turn out highly engineered products that power modern life.
A significant segment of Central Coast manufacturers serve the aerospace industry, with numerous NASA contracts, including Next Intent‘s work on every Mars Rover for the last two decades, Deployable Space Systems’ rollout solar arrays, Umbra’s ultra high-resolution radar microsatellites and ES Aero‘s development of the X-57 Maxwell electric plane.
Connecting with customers and suppliers is seamless, thanks to the region’s strategic location between California’s metro areas along the coastal 101 highway, while top-ranked universities, highly rated community colleges and innovative manufacturing initiatives churn out a supply of engineers and skilled labor.
6,000
jobs
81
companies
$860M
industry
The cross-cutting industry making moves in our region
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Stellar manufactures small systems for major missions
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Landmark Google Quantum AI campus close to home
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Recent Highlights
Nexus Photonics + UCSB team up on photonics innovation
The research, featured in the journal Nature, creates visible-to-near-infrared-light lasers on silicon chips, paving the way for scientific and consumer applications
Mantis Composites making waves with 3D-printed carbon fiber parts
The company designs and prints highly engineered aerospace and defense parts for customers including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
ASSETS + RESOURCES
Cal Poly
A top 10 engineering program with specialties including industrial, materials and manufacturing engineering, Cal Poly provides top talent and partners with industry on research, prototyping and product development. It also offers access to state-of-the-art instruments and testing equipment through its fee-for-service program.
UC-Santa Barbara
Ranked among the top engineering schools in the world, the UCSB offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in materials and mechanical engineering. The materials graduate program has ranked #1 in the nation among public universities, with 11 affiliated research centers and a shared instrumentation network.
Community colleges
Cuesta College’s engineering and technology program offers an associate’s degree in manufacturing engineering as well as several certificate programs. Allan Hancock College offers machining and manufacturing technology as well as welding and electronics technology.
California NanoSystems Institute
With locations at UC Santa Barbara and UCLA, the interdisciplinary research hub specialized in advanced materials, sustainability, complex systems and more, as well as start-up resources and seed funding.
SLO Partners
The nonprofit SLO Partners, winner of a 2020 CA Partnership for Industry and Education award, provides industry-specific training through its precision manufacturing bootcamp then connects employers to candidates through talent matching and apprenticeship programs.
Manufacturing technology consulting
The nonprofit California Manufacturing Technology Consulting provides an array of programs and services to help manufacturers big and small with supply chain, workforce, exports, innovation and beyond.
Precision Manufacturing Companies
Click the dots to see companies in the region, and find detailed company, industry and regional data in our data center.
