Digital Whistle – May 2025

Grow Your Business with Build America, Buy America Webinar

June 25, 2025, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Reserve Now

To reserve, email Sarah Johnson at sjohnson@mfgcouncilie.com.

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) program is opening doors for U.S. manufacturers like never before. With billions in federal infrastructure funding on the table, there’s never been a better time to make it in America.

BABA prioritizes American-made products for federally funded projects—from roads and bridges to broadband and energy. That means more demand, more contracts, and more opportunity for manufacturers who produce right here in the U.S.

Why BABA Works for Manufacturers:

Access to major government-funded projects

Increased demand for U.S.-made goods

Incentives to expand and invest in your workforce

A competitive edge against foreign imports

Make your products essential to America’s future.
Position your company for long-term growth by aligning with BABA’s domestic sourcing requirements.

Build America. Buy America. Grow Here.

Presented by Barbara Weg, CSCP | Supply Chain Consultant
California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC)

Barbara Weg, CSCP

Barbara Weg is an accomplished and results-driven Supply Chain Consultant with over 30 years of manufacturing experience specializing in global sourcing and procurement strategies. As a Certified Supply Chain Professional, she has a proven track record of successfully leading complex supply chain projects for various industries, including metal finishing and fabrication, as well as consumer packaged goods.

Save the Date:

Next Steps: An ESOP & Succession Strategy Social

Join us at the Victoria Country Club in Riverside, on August 21st for a presentation on succession planning over wine and appetizers. Co-sponsored by RP&B CPAs. Limited to manufacturers and MCIE members. Watch for more information next month.

Skilled Trades Career Fair

We are excited to share that Chaffey College InTech Center will be hosting a Skilled Trades Career Fair focused on connecting students and recent graduates to opportunities in industrial maintenance and welding.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Location: Chaffey College InTech Center, Building “A”

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Provided

Employers are encouraged to host a table, share information about their company, and—if hiring—conduct on-site interviews.

RSVP by June 2nd HERE

Manufacturing Careers Charity Golf Event is Getting Ready to Tee-off

Plans are well underway for the June 2nd tournament benefiting the Manufacturers’ Council, a 501 (3) non-profit, and their work with students and educators.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Platinum:

Victor Valley College

Albatross:

Launch

Mitsubishi Cement Corporation

Supervisor Paul Cook

Eagle:

Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc.

Birdie:

Recon Engineering and Construction

Singer Electric Motors

ICR Staffing Services

Airwave Communications

CSI a NUCOR-JFE company

Par:

Dyell Machine

Bogey:

Exquadrum

Flexco

Industrial Rubber & Supply

Mooney Industrials

Refreshment Sponsors:

Renold valued suppliers of Motion Industries

Mooney Industrials

Business:

Mountain Desert Career Pathways

WiM Southern California Chapter

Pacific Parts & Controlls a Division of Jo-Kell

Apple Valley Communications

Lunch:

Global Credit Union

Rio Tinto

Golf Cannon Sponsor:

Launch

Sponsor Donatons:

Frito Lay

Niagara Water

Victorville Motors

Tee Sign:

Eide Bailly

CSR Air Conditioning and Heating

Westfall Technik Hosts Facility Tours for the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire

On Thursday, May 8th, Westfall Technik opened the doors of its Riverside facility to host members of the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) for two informative and engaging tours.

The tours were led by Debra Alley, Vice President of Program Management & Customer Service, who brings over 20 years of experience in the plastics industry, and Edward Bell, Vice President / General Manager, with more than two decades of leadership in Medical Device and Pharmaceutical manufacturing.

With 17 attendees participating in the 9:00 AM tour and 11 attendees in the 3:00 PM tour, the event offered an in-depth look at the innovative practices and operations at Westfall Technik. Attendees also took part in a post-tour group discussion to share insights and feedback.

🔍 Tour Highlights – Key Shareable Takeaways:

Overview of end-to-end plastic manufacturing capabilities, from design and prototyping to tooling, molding, and assembly.

Demonstration of Westfall’s automation processes, including robotics integration for precision and efficiency.

Insight into cleanroom operations, particularly focused on medical device manufacturing standards and quality assurance.

Walkthrough of the quality control lab showcasing equipment used for in-line inspection and product validation.

Discussion on Westfall Technik’s sustainability practices, including initiatives to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.

Overview of the Stacked Integration Model, enabling rapid scale-up and flexible production tailored to customer needs.

Presentation of employee training programs and the company’s commitment to workforce development and safety.

Westfall Technik is a global holding company providing integrated plastics manufacturing solutions for the medical, consumer packaging, and consumer goods industries. Their innovative approach and full-service model support faster time-to-market and efficient product delivery.

Integrated Solutions: Discover Westfall’s Stacked Integration Model™ for faster, higher-quality end-to-end production.

Advanced Tech: See industry-leading micro-molding and automation in action.

Quality Focus: Learn how 100% defect-free parts are achieved through top-tier quality control.

Sustainability: Explore their eco-friendly practices that support people and the planet.

MCIE extends its gratitude to Westfall Technik for their warm hospitality and for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their advanced operations.

Visit https://westfalltechnik.com/ to learn more.

New Member Spotlight: Ventura Foods

We are thrilled to welcome Ventura Foods as the newest member of MCIE!

Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods is a premier foodservice company known for delivering exceptional food solutions and flavor experiences that consistently exceed customer expectations. With a global footprint, their products can be found on restaurant menus, retail shelves across North America, and in over 60 countries worldwide.

Ventura Foods operates 17 manufacturing facilities, three culinary centers, and numerous distribution hubs. They also maintain international offices in Singapore, Canada, and Mexico, showcasing their global reach and commitment to innovation in food manufacturing.

Their diverse portfolio features trusted brands like LouAna® Cooking Oil, Hidden Valley® Ranch (foodservice), Mel-Fry®, SunGlow®, and Sauce Craft™. In addition to their branded products, Ventura Foods partners with restaurants and chefs to develop customized food solutions that help bring unique menu items to life.

With nearly 4,000 employees, Ventura Foods prides itself on fostering a values-driven culture built around Integrity, Customer Focus, Teamwork, and Personal Ownership. Their mission is clear: to help their customers delight their customers—a vision reflected in every product and partnership.

We also recognize Victor Coronado, Vice President of Manufacturing at Ventura Foods. With over 20 years of leadership in food and beverage manufacturing and logistics, Victor brings a wealth of expertise in cost control, operational excellence, and team building. A retired Master Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Victor served with distinction for 27 years, including deployments in Japan and Iraq, applying his logistics acumen both in service and in industry.

Welcome, Ventura Foods—we’re excited to have you as part of the MCIE community!

🔗 Learn more: www.venturafoods.com

Economic Updates:

Siemens Investment in Pomona: Siemens has announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing, including a new facility in Pomona, California. This plant will produce electrical products to support various sectors, including AI data centers, and is expected to create over 900 skilled jobs. AP News

Victorville’s Industrial Expansion: Victorville has welcomed 200 new businesses, including a 1.3 million-square-foot Amazon warehouse and a 475,000-square-foot Iron Mountain facility. These developments position the city as a logistics hub and are expected to boost local employment and economic activity. (ConnectionSolutions.com)

Federal Repeal of California’s EV Mandate: On May 22, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke California’s authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards, effectively dismantling the state’s plan to ban new gasoline-powered car sales by 2035. This decision could impact EV manufacturing investments and strategies in Southern California. (The US Sun)

Tariff Impacts: Recent tariffs have introduced uncertainty in Southern California’s industrial property market. Businesses are hesitant to expand or lease new spaces due to potential cost increases and supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting ports and logistics operations in Los Angeles County. (The LA Times)