Q: What was the origin of the new MVRK line?
Luis Lopez Jr.: The driving inspiration came from our roots. VIM Tools started out manufacturing everything in the U.S., all American-made and mostly for other brands. We were the manufacturer behind the scenes.
Fast forward to the mid-century, and we started producing tools under our own brand, VIM. We kept manufacturing in the U.S. until the 2000s, when products coming out of Asia started matching the quality of what we were making domestically. It became more affordable to import some products and offer them under the VIM brand.
But we always promised we’d find a way to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. This project has been in the works for three or four years now, and with the current political climate, the timing just worked out perfectly. Here we are with the MVRK line. This marks the beginning of our renewed commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
Q: What made VIM start with these tools in particular, like the ratchets and locking extensions?
Lopez: We started with ratchets because every mechanic uses them, no matter what kind of work they’re doing. Same goes for extensions. These are broad-use items, so it made sense to start with pilot products that would be widely used.
VIM tends to focus on specialty tools, which cater to more niche markets. But ratchets and extensions appeal to a broader audience in the automotive tool market. That’s why we started there, and there’s more to come.
Q: Why was it so important to have these tools made domestically and to return VIM to its position as a U.S. manufacturer?
Lopez: First and foremost, it’s a point of pride. There’s something special about saying, “This was made in-house, in the USA, with our own labor.” We’re a family-owned company. I was born here, most of our team was born here — it means something to us to have products made in this country.
And our customers, especially automotive technicians, are very loyal to U.S.-made products, so it was a no-brainer, both from our desire to do it and from customer demand.
Q: Were there any specific challenges you had to work through to get domestic production up and running?
Lopez: Definitely. We were so used to the flow of imported products and processes that I didn’t anticipate how much longer it would take to manufacture domestically. But with anything new, there are growing pains. I only see it getting better over time.
I was also surprised by the cost — not just to manufacture, but to set up manufacturing. It’s significantly more expensive than doing it elsewhere, but that’s part of the “Made in USA” mark, and we’re happy to pay it so long as it’s reciprocated by the end user, and they’re proud to use it.
Q: What sets the MVRK line apart from similar tools?
Lopez: Primarily, the fact that there aren’t many options for U.S.-made tools outside of tool truck brands. This line gives end users access even if they don’t have a tool truck stopping by their shop. Most U.S.-made products are only available through tool trucks, and not everyone has access to one. Even those who do face a gap between imported products and the premium pricing of tool truck items. We’re trying to fill that middle ground.
Q: Have you received any feedback yet from customers or distributors?
Lopez: At different tool expos, the feedback has been great. People like the smoothness of the ratchets, and they’re proud to see us manufacturing in the U.S. Many hope other companies follow suit.
Q: What’s next?
Lopez: We’ll definitely be developing more American-made tools. Early on, we’ll focus on a more generic line: bits, sockets, drivers, extensions, ratchets. As the line grows, we’ll reinvest to create more specialized items for niche markets.
It’s the same approach we took with the VIM brand, and we’re planning to do the same with MVRK by VIM. We’ll put into it as much as we get out of it. If end-user feedback and commitment are strong, our commitment to expanding the line will be strong too. It has to make sense financially, but if it’s doing well, it’ll keep growing.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about MVRK?
Lopez: MVRK is us following through on our promise to bring domestic manufacturing back. We’re very active on social media and interact directly with end users. When you message us, you’re talking to me, our VP Michael, our Director of Sales, or even my father, the company president. You’re not going through layers of customer service — you’re talking to the people. That’s why our social presence matters. We’ve had mechanics asking for American-made products for years. This is their chance to support it.
