# Manufacturing in Mexico: Adapting to Trade Policy Shifts and AI Integration with Repstronics Jorge Quijano

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2025-05-01
- Length: 7m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with

## Summary

Jorge Quijano, Head of Sales for Repstronics, discusses the operational chaos facing electronics manufacturers in Mexico due to unpredictable US tariff policies. He explains how customers are resorting to weekend builds to beat tariff deadlines and how Repstronics is shifting from selling capital equipment to offering leasing and rental options to help clients manage cash flow. The conversation also covers the industry's pivot toward automation to solve skilled labor shortages and the current state of AI adoption, where many companies request AI without understanding its practical application.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=8) Introduction: Jorge Quijano and Repstronics at APEX 2025
- [0:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=40) Tariff Uncertainty and Weekend Production Rushes
- [2:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=132) Shifting from CapEx to OpEx via Leasing and Rentals
- [3:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=195) Automation as a Solution for Skilled Labor Shortages
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=271) AI Implementation and the Industry 4.0 Legacy
- [6:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-01-manufacturing-in-mexico-adapting-to-trade-policy-shifts-and-ai-integration-with#t=374) Expanding AI and Automation to Supply Chain and Warehousing

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Repstronics (company)
- APEX 2025 (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Creative Electron (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep. 15: Can Mexico Become Robotics’ Next Powerhouse? | The Robo Success Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-25-ep-15-can-mexico-become-robotics-next-powerhouse-the-robo-success-podcast) (The Robo Success Podcast)
- [276: 2026 Automation Industry Outlook, Live from the A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-02-24-276-2026-automation-industry-outlook-live-from-the-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [124: Tariff Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-05-08-124-tariff-talk) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [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)
- [How Technology is Changing the Manufacturing Game w/ Dr. John Mitchell](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-22-how-technology-is-changing-the-manufacturing-game-w-dr-john-mitchell) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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