# Nearshoring Manufacturing from Asia to Mexico: Risks, Rewards, and Realities w/ Matt Hannula

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2025-10-07
- Episode: 288
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-1c8fb0c2-f769-4240-8997-82de00e8275e

## Summary

Matt Hannula, CEO of Tinker Tin, explains the strategic decision to nearshore manufacturing from China to Mexico, citing quality control, speed, and geopolitical risks as primary drivers. He details how Tinker Tin scaled to $20 million in revenue by leveraging facilities in San Diego and Mexico to serve brands like Boot Barn and Red Bull, avoiding the complexities and hidden costs of overseas shipping. Hannula emphasizes the importance of overcoming cultural 'good enough' mindsets through rigorous engineering standards and building redundant, diversified supply chains to mitigate risk.

## Chapters

- [0:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=34) Introduction: Matt Hannula and Tinker Tin
- [3:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=210) Tinker Tin's Evolution from Trailers to Retail Displays
- [5:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=351) Reasons for Moving Production from China to Mexico
- [8:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=499) Cost, Logistics, and the USMCA Advantage
- [11:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=690) Overcoming Cultural and Quality Challenges
- [16:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=986) Supply Chain Risks and Hidden Costs of Overseas Manufacturing
- [21:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=1311) Supply Chain Diversification and Redundancy
- [24:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-10-07-nearshoring-manufacturing-from-asia-to-mexico-risks-rewards-and-realities-w-matt#t=1476) Practical Advice for Nearshoring

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Tinker Tin (company)
- Boot Barn (company)
- Red Bull (company)
- Maxi Cozy (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- USMCA (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [EMS@C-Level 2022 Season, episode 13 - USA or Mexico with Benchmark Electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-09-18-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-13-usa-or-mexico-with-benchmark-electronics) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [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)
- [VEXOS Launches Mexico Facility As Part of Global Growth Strategy - CEO Paul Jona Joins EMS@C-Level](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-02-08-vexos-launches-mexico-facility-as-part-of-global-growth-strategy-ceo-paul-jona-j) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [BONUS - Koh Young's Ramon Hernandez talks all things Mexico at APEX 2023 - EMSNOW & SCOOP On Location](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-02-24-bonus-koh-youngs-ramon-hernandez-talks-all-things-mexico-at-apex-2023-emsnow-sco) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [S2 E9: Global Supply Chain Strategy with Ying Liu](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2024-03-19-s2-e9-global-supply-chain-strategy-with-ying-liu) (The Builder Circle)

## Citing this page

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