The Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, now featuring the WESTEC show floor, is a monumental industrial expo showcasing West Coast manufacturing. This event brings together thousands of industry professionals to collaborate, network, and learn — all while advancing the region’s manufacturing presence.
Along with a new name, this manufacturing expo also has a new location: the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. With thousands of manufacturing companies, a thriving aerospace industry, and several prestigious educational institutions in the region, Anaheim is a hub for industrial innovation.
Backed by the 35-year history of WESTEC, the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST highlights the West Coast manufacturing sector and displays the region’s technological advancements.
West Coast Manufacturing
Southern California is renowned for its technological innovation and extensive pool of top talent. This region of the United States boasts access to major transportation hubs that imports and exports worth billions of dollars.
As for its manufacturing sector, California has the largest manufacturing workforce in the country. With 1.3 million manufacturing jobs, the industrial economy had an annual gross domestic product output of $397 billion in 2023.
The state has become a hub for the aerospace, medical device, and precision machining industries, among others. Additionally, California’s prominent computer and electronic product manufacturing sector attracts global talent to the region and drives software innovation worldwide.
This highly skilled manufacturing workforce is complemented throughout the state by top research institutions, including the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and multiple University of California campuses. These universities support multiple research and development programs that advance manufacturing technologies, including automation, 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy systems.
California is also home to some leading manufacturing companies with large workforces. Tesla’s global engineering headquarters in Fremont is one of the largest manufacturing sites in the state. Multiple global aerospace companies also have locations in California, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX.
These are just a few prominent examples of California’s industrial sector. With this combination of prestigious universities and top manufacturing companies, it’s clear that West Coast manufacturing is prospering and poised for continued growth.
Why Anaheim?
Anaheim has all the benefits of being located in Southern California, along with its own flourishing manufacturing sector. The city is known for its technological innovation — most notably in the entertainment industry — but also for its engineering expertise in manufacturing.
A robust industrial ecosystem in Anaheim includes thousands of manufacturing companies, multiple educational and research institutions, and several tech firms. Notable manufacturing industries that contribute to this ecosystem include aerospace, electronics, and advanced technologies and machinery.
Being located near the Pacific Ocean also connects Anaheim to the global economy. Additionally, the city has proximity to several airports, two major ports and multiple railroad freight services, and interstate access to the rest of the country.
All of this contributes to the success of Anaheim’s manufacturing industry, marking it as a notable region that drives the advancement of West Coast manufacturing.
What to Expect at the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST
As a city with a strong advanced manufacturing presence, Anaheim is an ideal location for the new Manufacturing Technology Series WEST. This event brings together manufacturing experts, industry leaders, and professionals eager to shape the future of manufacturing.
Attendees can look forward to exploring hundreds of exhibits, hearing from manufacturing executives during daily keynote presentations, and networking with thousands of industry professionals throughout the three-day event. The Manufacturing Technology Series WEST will prominently feature top industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, commercial machinery, and more. The show floor invites manufacturing professionals to get an up-close look at the latest industrial technologies and get hands-on experience with machinery and equipment.
For exhibitors at the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, the opportunity to connect with hundreds of potential leads all in one place is invaluable. The event attracts thousands of attendees, of which roughly 80% have a role in purchasing decisions and nearly 40% have budgets exceeding $200,000.
Within the manufacturing industry, face-to-face interaction is the most effective way to establish connections with those who can help further business goals or address challenges. The Manufacturing Technology Series WEST offers numerous opportunities to foster these business relationships and help manufacturing businesses stay competitive within an evolving industrial landscape.
Attending the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST
The first iteration of the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, featuring the WESTEC show floor, will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center from October 7-9, 2025. This follows the May 2025 debut of the Manufacturing Technology Series EAST, formerly EASTEC, which attracted more than 10,000 industry professionals to West Springfield, Massachusetts.
In addition to these two regional locations, the Manufacturing Technology Series will stop in two other regions across the country this fall — the Southeast, in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Southwest, in Dallas. This transformative event series is driving progress in the manufacturing industry nationwide.
Each trade show features cutting-edge manufacturing technology, multiple expert presentations, and leading discussions on how companies can thrive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. The Manufacturing Technology Series of events invites industry professionals from around the country to participate in shaping the future of manufacturing.
If you’re a manufacturing professional interested in attending or exhibiting at the remaining regional Manufacturing Technology Series events, click here to learn more about this opportunity.