# Supply Chain Special: Unravelling Geopolitics, Reshoring, Digital Transformation and More with Benchmark's Michael Lucia

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-10-18
- Length: 16m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an

## Summary

Michael Lucia, CEO of Benchmark Electronics, discusses how geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Israel, are driving reshoring and regionalization of supply chains, with customers demanding visibility into the country of origin for major parts. He notes that while component lead times have stabilized, pricing remains sticky due to inflation and energy costs, delaying the impact of new capacity from initiatives like the CHIPS Act. The conversation also explores the potential of AI as a 'co-pilot' for supply chain management, specifically for learning from past disruptions to recommend solutions, provided the underlying data sets are robust.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an#t=8) Introduction: Geopolitics and Israel Conflict Impact
- [2:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an#t=142) Customer Expectations: Localization and Regionalization
- [3:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an#t=213) Reshoring Trends: US vs. Mexico Capacity and Competency
- [7:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an#t=425) Supply/Demand Balance: Lead Times and Sticky Pricing
- [11:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-18-supply-chain-special-unravelling-geopolitics-reshoring-digital-transformation-an#t=710) Digital Transformation: ERP Visibility and AI as Co-pilot

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Benchmark Electronics (company)
- CHIPS Act (other)
- SMTAE Guadalajara (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [OnTrack PCB Design Podcast 2025 Year in Review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-12-30-ontrack-pcb-design-podcast-2025-year-in-review) (OnTrack)
- [The Hard Truths About Reshoring American Manufacturing w/ Eddy Azad](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-04-21-the-hard-truths-about-reshoring-american-manufacturing-w-eddy-azad) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Rapid Reshoring: Building a Reliable North American Supply Chain w/ Mike Wynn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-05-rapid-reshoring-building-a-reliable-north-american-supply-chain-w-mike-wynn) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Why Reshoring Matters: For Our Economy and Our National Security w/ Harry Moser](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-02-11-why-reshoring-matters-for-our-economy-and-our-national-security-w-harry-moser) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [A++++++ Will Buy Again](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-03-19-a-will-buy-again) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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