# How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Electronics Manufacturing: Zollner's Markus Aschenbrenner in Costa Rica

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2026-09-15
- Length: 8m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre

## Summary

Markus Aschenbrenner, Member of the Executive Board at Zollner, explains how geopolitical pressures and IP protection are driving electronics manufacturing toward regionalization rather than just low-cost labor. He details Zollner's global expansion strategy, including acquisitions in the US, sites in Southeast Asia, and exploring India, while highlighting the long-term success of their early bet on Costa Rica over Mexico. Aschenbrenner emphasizes that reliability, supplier qualification, and a stable, educated workforce are now the primary competitive edges for high-tech EMS providers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre#t=0) Introduction and Global Strategy
- [1:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre#t=89) Geopolitics and Regionalization Drivers
- [2:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre#t=169) The Costa Rica Bet vs. Mexico
- [4:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre#t=273) Building the Local Ecosystem
- [5:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-09-15-how-geopolitics-is-reshaping-electronics-manufacturing-zollners-markus-aschenbre#t=337) Expansion and High-Reliability Manufacturing

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Zollner (company)
- EIT (company)
- Costa Rica (other)
- Mexico (other)
- India (other)
- Thailand (other)
- China (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

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- [Episode 29: The Myth of Semiconductor Industry Deglobization](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-08-15-episode-29-the-myth-of-semiconductor-industry-deglobization) (The Circuit)
- [271: Preparing Manufacturers for the Semiconductor Boom: Insights from SEMICON West and Beyond](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-01-20-271-preparing-manufacturers-for-the-semiconductor-boom-insights-from-semicon-wes) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Nearshoring Manufacturing from Asia to Mexico: Risks, Rewards, and Realities w/ Matt Hannula](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [The Future of PCB Manufacturing: Tariffs, Supply Chains & More](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-18-the-future-of-pcb-manufacturing-tariffs-supply-chains-more) (OnTrack)
- [What the U.S. Can Learn From the German Manufacturing Model w/ Jon DeSouza](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-06-11-what-the-u-s-can-learn-from-the-german-manufacturing-model-w-jon-desouza) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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