# Scaling Manufacturing

- Show: [Oxide and Friends](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends)
- Published: 2025-09-19
- Length: 1h 30m
- Episode: 27
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3aea5008

## Summary

Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company discuss scaling manufacturing with colleagues CJ Mendes, Kirstin Neira, Erik Anderson, Aaron Hartwig, and Doug Wibben. They detail the transition from low-rate NPI to volume production using contract manufacturer Benchmark Electronics, highlighting specific engineering solutions like the Medusa and Reverso test boards to address fragile high-speed cables and press-fit DDR sockets. The team emphasizes their strategic procurement approach, building deep relationships with suppliers like Semtech and Texas Instruments to secure supply during the AI-driven chip shortage, while navigating compliance and tariff challenges for global expansion.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=0) Introduction: Scaling Manufacturing with the Oxide Team
- [3:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=233) Contract Manufacturing Strategy with Benchmark Electronics
- [12:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=749) Lessons from Gimlet: Cable Backplane and Press-Fit DDR Issues
- [24:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=1452) Engineering Test Solutions: Medusa, Reverso, and Sidecar Loopback
- [37:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=2268) Procurement Challenges: Supply Chain Relationships and EOL Parts
- [57:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=3425) ERP Systems and Operational Scaling
- [1:05:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=3957) Global Expansion: Compliance, Tariffs, and Export Controls
- [1:14:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing#t=4456) Hiring and Culture for Manufacturing Scale

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Oxide Computer Company (company)
- Benchmark Electronics (company)
- Semtech (company)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- Samsung (company)
- Lenovo (company)
- Apple (company)
- Gimlet (product)
- Cosmo (product)
- Medusa (product)
- Reverso (product)
- Minibar (product)
- TPS 546B24A (chip)
- ADM 1272 (chip)
- Intertek (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: FUEL & PROTECTION - Securing the Supply Chain Before the Climb (31m22s)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-03-03-deepdive-1-on-1-series-fuel-protection-securing-the-supply-chain-before-the-clim) (NPI Sherpa)
- [How A Cornwall EMS Company Scales With Defense And Aerospace Demand, with Jon Hurrell, Sellectronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-13-how-a-cornwall-ems-company-scales-with-defense-and-aerospace-demand-with-jon-hur) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Overcoming Global Supply Chain Obstacles in Electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-10-29-overcoming-global-supply-chain-obstacles-in-electronics) (OnTrack)
- [Not Reely An Issue](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-11-13-not-reely-an-issue) (The Amp Hour)
- [BONUS - Cogiscan CEO Vincent Dubois on Collaboration at APEX 2023 - EMSNOW & SCOOP On Location](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-01-31-bonus-cogiscan-ceo-vincent-dubois-on-collaboration-at-apex-2023-emsnow-scoop-on) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-09-19-scaling-manufacturing. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Oxide and Friends.