Wesley Murphy is the Vice President of Operations at Peoria Production Solutions, a self-supporting nonprofit that provides kitting, assembly, and fulfillment services for manufacturers across multiple industries. PPS is known for operational efficiency, ISO-certified quality standards, and inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In his role, Wesley leads large-scale operational programs, focusing on quality, inventory visibility, and on-time execution. He is passionate about building trusted partnerships and fostering operational excellence.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [1:50] Wesley Murphy defines kitting and how bundled components become unique SKUs
- [5:32] How Peoria Production Solutions supports customers during redirects, shutdowns, and urgent disruptions
- [8:20] Using ERP, WMS, Power BI, and shared data for inventory visibility
- [11:48] Peoria Production Solutions’ mission to employ and support people with disabilities
- [17:55] How communication between operations, quality, and client teams improves execution
- [24:45] Wesley’s leadership lessons from mentors with different management styles
In this episode…
Kitting may seem like a straightforward process, but for manufacturers managing complex supply chains, tight labor markets, and urgent customer demands, it can become a strategic advantage. When every component, deadline, and inventory movement matters, how can companies reduce complexity while maintaining quality, speed, and trust?
For Wesley Murphy, building structured kitting programs brings multiple products together into one organized, trackable SKU. Drawing from his expertise in large-scale kitting, assembly, fulfillment, and operations, Wesley explains that effective kitting helps manufacturers improve turnaround times, simplify inventory management, and give customers everything they need in one complete kit. He also highlights the value of flexible operational support during redirects, warehouse shutdowns, urgent disruptions, and production gaps, where the right partner can step in quickly to receive product, correct issues, and keep orders moving. His approach illustrates the role of ERP systems, WMS platforms, Power BI dashboards, SOPs, inspections, and open communication between operations, quality, and client teams in improving visibility, preventing rework, and strengthening execution.
In this episode of In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results, host Lisa Kilrea sits down with Wesley Murphy, VP of Operations at Peoria Production Solutions, to discuss how kitting supports supply chain efficiency and operational resilience. They explore how bundled components become unique SKUs, how shared data improves inventory visibility, and how communication strengthens quality, execution, and client partnerships.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Lisa Kilrea on LinkedIn
- WSI eResults
- Wesley Murphy: LinkedIn | Email
- Peoria Production Solutions
Special mentions:
Quotable Moments
- “We’re highlighting their abilities. We’re not focused on disabilities.”
- “The trust and transparency we provide is a very big thing. A lot of these are people’s babies that they’ve created.”
- “Obviously, we all get better as we push each other.”
- “But the real value comes when the relationships move beyond a transaction and become a true operational partnership.”
- “It’s essentially like we’re an extended warehouse for them at that point.”
Action Steps
- Prioritize transparent communication with partners: Sharing real-time inventory data and operational updates builds trust, improves visibility, and enables faster response to demand changes and operational issues.
- Implement structured standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality checks: Clear work instructions and regular in-process inspections ensure consistency, reduce errors, and maintain quality in high-volume kitting operations.
- Leverage technology for inventory and workflow management: Using ERP and WMS systems with dashboard tools improves tracking, automates workflows, and enhances information sharing with clients for better scalability and traceability.
- Cultivate operational flexibility through outsourcing and level-loading labor: Partnering with co-packers and adjusting labor capacity helps manage demand fluctuations, reduce cost pressure, and free internal teams for higher-value work.
- Foster inclusive workplace culture and mission-driven partnerships: Supporting a diverse workforce, including people with disabilities, strengthens employee loyalty, improves satisfaction, and builds long-term, values-aligned partnerships.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by WSI EResults Manufacturing Marketing — revolutionizing digital marketing for the manufacturing industry.
At WSI EResults, we help B2B manufacturers, OEMs, and industrial distributors elevate their digital presence through AI-powered, data-driven strategies designed to generate targeted, impactful leads.
From AI-powered SEO and content marketing to tailored campaigns built for the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector, WSI EResults delivers the tools and expertise to help your business stand out, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at wsi-manufacturing-marketing.com. Your blueprint for smarter, more effective manufacturing marketing.
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