Tariffs on Monday, none on Tuesday? Welcome to the new reality for Mexican manufacturers navigating the unpredictable trade landscape after recent political changes. In this conversation with Jorge Quijano, Head of Sales for Repstronics at APEX 2025, we dive into the real challenges facing companies operating south of the border—and the innovative strategies they’re employing to stay competitive despite the chaos.
Jorge paints a vivid picture of manufacturers literally rushing to build products over weekends and ship on Mondays, only to halt operations when tariffs suddenly shift again. Despite this turbulence, forward-thinking companies are positioning themselves for long-term success. “The companies that are really preparing for that moment are the ones that are going to be stronger,” Jorge explains.
The conversation expands beyond tariffs to explore how uncertainty is reshaping investment strategies. Rather than traditional equipment purchases, Repstronics now offers creative alternatives like leasing and rental options that convert CapEx to OpEx. Meanwhile, manufacturers are turning inward, focusing on automation to address persistent workforce challenges and exploring AI implementation—though often without fully understanding what they’re asking for. As Jorge notes, “Sometimes we get a request that hey, we need to implement AI, but they don’t have an idea of what it is.” This mirrors the Industry 4.0 hype cycle that preceded it, though AI may finally help companies properly leverage the data they’ve been collecting for years.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
Lorena Villanueva, the dynamic leader of IPC Mexico, reveals their groundbreaking “three-helix” strategy that’s reshaping their position in the Mexican electronics landscape. By forging deep partnerships between state governments (including aerospace hub Querétaro and automotive electronics center Guanajuato), academic institutions, and industry leaders, IPC Mexico has created a powerful ecosystem that drives education, innovation and growth throughout the region.
What truly sets IPC Mexico apart is their authentic approach to community building. “We are huggers,” Lorena explains, highlighting how cultural understanding and personal connections have been game-changers in their success. Rather than imposing American methodologies, IPC has empowered their Mexican team to develop strategies that resonate locally while maintaining global best practices. This cultural intelligence has transformed IPC from being perceived as a foreign entity to becoming a truly Mexican association in just the past 12 months.
The future looks bright as IPC Mexico continues hosting regional events that facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing in comfortable, open environments. Their commitment to supporting both members and the broader industry demonstrates how international organizations can achieve global excellence through local relevance.
Want to see how genuine connection and cultural understanding can transform an industry? Follow IPC Mexico’s journey as they continue building bridges between Mexico and the global electronics community!
