This article was published on May 18, 2021 and updated on February 16, 2023
Many types of companies have a need to assemble their products, whether a manufacturer that requires the assembly of components for further manufacturing processes or a retailer that must assemble products to make themselves ready for display. Companies that require product assembly must either perform these services in-house or outsource to a contract assembly provider. Outsourcing can be very beneficial to companies, although they should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of contract assembly.
Advantages of Contract Assembly
Companies that utilize the services of a contract assembly provider can realize many benefits that can improve productivity and increase profitability. Some of the ways in which companies realize advantages with contract assembly include increased internal capacity, which allows the company to focus on their niche manufacturing market, budget control, improved quality and delivery, and insight from an experienced assembly provider.
Increased internal capacity – companies that require assembly of products must dedicate floor space and labor to perform in the assembly process. By outsourcing this process to an assembly provider, companies free up internal resources with increased capacity.
Savings on labor and benefits – by outsourcing contract assembly, companies do not need to hire and train individuals to perform these processes, which saves on labor expenses as well as benefits and continual training with employee turnover.
More resources to focus on niche production – freeing up floorspace and labor by outsourcing assembly allows a company to focus on its niche manufacturing market or products.
Increased productivity – companies that receive assembled products on time can improve their own productivity by producing more products internally and increasing sales revenue.
Improved profitability – with a reputable contract assembly provider, companies can increase productivity and profitability with budget control and assurances of receiving quality products on time.
Improved quality and delivery – companies that are having a hard time meeting in-house assembly demands can improve their delivery by receiving assembled products on time. Working with an experienced assembly provider can improve quality when working with a quality-minded assembly house, particularly one that is certified to ISO9001:2015 and practices quality policies.
Insight gained from experienced assembly providers – experienced assembly providers can offer insight into the most efficient assembly methods and offer suggestions to manufacturers to improve the quality and delivery of assembled products.
These are some of the advantages of working with an experienced and quality-focused contract assembly provider.
Disadvantages of Contract Assembly
Companies seeking the services of a contract assembly provider should ensure that this provider has the experience and ask to see their quality policies and performance, including customer satisfaction and on-time delivery history. When working with an experienced, quality provider, there are not many disadvantages of contract assembly. Some issues that could arise with an inexperienced provider may include communication errors, less control over the entire project, intellectual property risks, and quality and delivery issues.
Communication errors – outsourcing to a third party could create communication errors if either party does not clearly relay assembly or quality requirements or issues that may arise. Make sure your assembly provider is responsive to your needs and specifications.
Less control over the entire project – using the services of a contract assembly provider means trusting the provider and having less control in-house over the process. Working with an assembly provider that has a track record of delivering quality assembled products can ease any concerns over losing complete control of a project. Make sure that a work process is developed with quality checks as required to meet your specifications, including any critical dimension checks and quality audit requirements.
Intellectual property risks – companies that must assemble proprietary products or government projects must ensure the safety of intellectual property. A trustworthy and reliable assembly provider will sign nondisclosure agreements and ensure the protection of intellectual property.
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a reliable and quality-focused contract assembly provider with more than 80 years of experience. We provide clear communication, work processes, and quality checks that align with our ISO9001:2015 certification and internal quality processes. You can have confidence in our experience, quality procedures, and highly trained staff to deliver contract assembly products on time and to your specifications.
Illinois Department of Human Services awards Peoria Production Solutions the Employer of the Year award. The agency strives to be the state leader in assisting customers with employment that allows them to support themselves and their families.
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the agency is sponsoring an employer recognition event in October. PPS was nominated and selected as the winner in one of the three categories.
Peoria Production Shop provides value-added services to many manufacturers and OEMs of all sizes. While our customers partner with us for our kitting, sewing, packaging, and assembly solutions, they do not always get to see the heart of PPS: our employees.
We believe that people with disabilities are capable of extraordinary work, so we set the highest standards in outsourcing performance. Our employees are the driving force that keeps Peoria Production Shop going. What originally began as temporary, part-time employment for discharged tuberculosis patients has now expanded to employ people with all types of disabilities.
Disabilities Do Not Define Us
While we employ people with different disabilities, we understand that disabilities do not define our employees. Unfortunately, the disability stigma still prevents some of these great individuals from getting hired on in the workforce. That is why we want to provide a safe place for individuals with disabilities to work. Instead of viewing a disability as being different, our employees find comfort in one another.
When you work at PPS, we find the right job for you — not the right person for the job. We are determined to find what works best for our employees and their abilities. For instance, we try to find something less physically demanding for individuals in a wheelchair. Likewise, we can adjust employees’ work schedules to accommodate their needs.
Through highlighting our employees’ abilities, we have developed some great leaders on the shop floor. For some, they are in charge of leading morning stretches while others are in charge of an entire department. The leadership role can come in all different shapes, sizes, and responsibilities, but the feeling of recognition is what matters most.
Growing as an Individual and Employee
We want our employees to feel a sense of belonging. It might not seem like much to some, but packaging a product and then seeing it in stores brings a sense of pride to our employees.
We encourage our employees to become more social and gain confidence. We understand that some individuals might not have a social life outside of work. Therefore, we encourage them to make friends at PPS. We like to treat our employees to parties, baseball outings, dances, and more.
While we like to have fun, we recognize that our employees have responsibilities. Our financial team offers their expertise in terms of insurance, retirement plans, and taxes. We do our best to set our employees up for financial success and ways to support themselves.
All in all, we want to make a difference in the lives of our employees because not many others will. We want to be the cheerleader in every employee’s corner, encouraging them to do their best. While we provide solutions to customers, it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees.
Peoria Production Shop has been employing individuals with disabilities for more than 80 years. Apply on our website today to be a part of the next 80 years. Let’s make a difference!
Junior has been with Peoria Production Shop for 10 years. He originally worked as a picker-packer, selecting products to fulfill customer orders on the production line. Then, Junior moved to the emergency department. This area of the shipping department is responsible for all shipments that have a faster turnaround time and need to be processed quickly. Recently, Junior was promoted to line lead in which he supervises the workers packing materials in his area.
Personally, Junior wants to continue to learn about production and grow in his leadership role at PPS. Junior has gained a new perspective by working with people from all different backgrounds. His proudest moments are getting to help people everyday.
Outside of the shop floor, Junior enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and collecting autographs. His favorite autographs are Ryan Reynolds and Stan Lee. He is a true Marvel fan!
Wes has worked as a coordinator at Peoria Production Shop since October of 2020. He enjoys setting up new projects and working on time studies for potential customers. He describes PPS in three words: united, enthusiastic, and all-encompassing.
Although Wes has worked here a short time, he has a new found empathy for the people PPS employs. PPS partners with Teen Challenge, a group that provides rehabilitation services to those struggling with addiction.
One of Wes’ proudest moments at PPS is receiving letters from those who graduated from the program. The letters to Wes thanked him for his lasting impact to them beyond a coordinator at PPS.
In his free time, Wes loves running obstacle courses like the Tough Mudder. He loves to challenge himself both physically and mentally.
At Peoria Production Shop, we employ proud individuals with a desire to succeed. Visit our website to fill out an application to apply for an open position.
Jennie began working at Peoria Production Shop in early 2020. She works as the Accounting Clerk and Receptionist for PPS.
She is the first person you see when you walk in our office. Although she started at the same time that masks became mandated, she is always smiling!
Jennie manages the company time keeping system and prepares invoices for customers. She is also in charge of maintaining the Treasury receipts, purchasing supplies for equipment maintenance, and keeping the office supplied.
Jennie is a mother of three, and has three grandchildren whom she adores. She enjoys reading and working in her yard. Also, she is very active in her church.
Steffenie has worked at Peoria Production Shop for 11 years. Currently, she works as a trainer. Although she has not quite completed a year as a trainer, she has done an amazing job with our employees.
Steffenie is a well-rounded employee, allowing her to take on different projects throughout the facility. Her favorite job is working in the autobagging department. She describes PPS as a caring company that watches out for their employees, all while hosting fun activities. Her favorite memory at PPS is all of the dancing opportunities!
Steffenie met her husband, Ryan Maxwell at PPS. The two have been married for 3 years. Despite the Peoria company bringing the couple together, Steffenie is not originally from central Illinois. She grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
At Peoria Production Shop, our mission is simple. We provide employment opportunities enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve financial and social independence. Visit our website to fill out an application to join our team.
In 1941, Dr. Maxim Pollak of the Peoria Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium founded Peoria Production Shop to provide temporary part-time employment for discharged tuberculosis patients until they were physically able to return to full time jobs. Dr. Pollak noticed that recovering Tuberculosis patients were having difficulty getting employed so he took out a $500 loan and rented a small space in downtown Peoria on Adams Street.
Before long, PPS was employing individuals with all types of disabilities and registered as a not-for-profit organization in 1951. Some of the first jobs taken on by PPS were sewing canvas and leather protective devices for Caterpillar. These capabilities grew to include assembly, kitting, and packaging. As PPS expanded into other types of work, our employment grew as well. Currently, we employ over 200 individuals in our two facilities exceeding 160,000 square feet.
Celebrating 80 Years
March 23rd marked 80 years of Peoria Production Shop. We put up banners along the road touting our 80th anniversary and that we are hiring. The day was filled with celebrations honoring our PPS employees, past and present. All of our employees received t-shirts commemorating the mile stone and a lunch provided by the company.
A member of our leadership team put together a video looking back on some of our favorite moments at PPS. During our two lunch breaks, employees were able to watch the video and share a few laughs. The video featured messages from board members, past presidents, and more.
One of our employees suggested planting an oak tree to commemorate the anniversary. The leadership team loved the idea and has made plans to do so once the weather clears up.
“Without you, we wouldn’t have been successful all these years. Here’s to 80 more years for Peoria Production Shop and thank you for allowing me to be part of the last 2 years!” – Dan Laturno, CEO
PPS has been empowering employees for 80 years. Visit our website to learn how you can apply and be a part of the next 80 years.
Amy joined the Peoria Production Shop (PPS) team 3 years ago. While Amy started as a shy and timid employee, she has since come out of her shell.
Amy currently works at our second facility coring, which is a manufacturing process used for assembly. Previously, she has worked with bottles and probes, packaging the products based on specific customer requirements.
Her proudest moment at PPS is “getting things done that need to be done”. She feels prideful when a project is completed. She describes PPS as a busy, fun place to work, filled with friendly people.
Amy would love to see PPS continue to grow. The company recently celebrated 80 years of service. As for the next 80 years, Amy wishes to see more people join the PPS family.
In regards to Amy’s personal life, she grew up in Galesburg, Illinois. Amy has two siblings, a younger brother and an older half sister. She is a very proud sister, always sharing about her siblings’ successes.
In her free time, she loves to listen to music, shop, and watch the St. Louis Cardinals. As soon as things open back up, Amy would love to go to a Peoria Chiefs or a Peoria Rivermen’s game.
Peoria Production Shop strives to make a difference in our employees’ lives. As we continue to offer services to our customers, we want to continue to empower our employees. Employee of the Month candidates can be nominated by fellow employees. Visit our website to see how you can apply to join our team.
Peoria Production Shop is officially off the electrical grid! We are utilizing our large rooftop to support a 400 kilowatt solar array for the next 25 years. The global solar energy industry is expected to record 14% growth in 2020 compared to the total solar capacity installed in 2019.
PPS has always been concerned with our environmental footprint. We have recycling programs for paper and plastic, while we repurpose and reuse wooden skids where we can. This is just the next big thing we have tackled.
Beth Dailey is named one of this year’s 25 Women in Leadership. Beth is an outstanding CFO and has superior knowledge of accounting and financial management. She is a lifelong learner who never misses an opportunity to enhance her skills for the company’s success and the lives of our employees.
Beth is an inspiration and role model for her four children, the community she serves, and the 175 employees of Peoria Production Shop. She is an inspiration as she juggles a demanding job, family commitments, and community volunteer activities.
She is truly a servant leader in everything she does. She has embraced our mission of serving individuals with disabilities and is always looking for opportunities to improve their lives.
For the past several years, Beth has partnered with METEC to provide hundreds of onsite free tax returns for our past and present employees and EPIC employees. She also completed tax returns for immediate and extended family members of EPIC and PPS employees. She has coordinated PPS volunteers, as well as other tax professionals to provide onsite tax returns saving thousands of dollars for our employees and others.
In addition to completing over a hundred tax returns every season, while doing her very demanding job at the same time, she also prepares free tax returns on the weekends at METEC and in her hometown of Canton.
Beth’s way of serving has rubbed off on her employees. They will keep their ears open for employees who may be struggling and problem-solve to help them along the way.
On any given day, Beth may communicate with the IRS for an employee in trouble and another she will make arrangements for weekly deductions so an employee’s rent will get paid on time. Her staff volunteers to help with employee needs and are always willing to help in other departments as needed, just as she does.
Where there are difficult decisions to be made, her first statement will be, “Is this what is best for our employees?” This has been particularly evident as we have tackled the business issues that have come from dealing with the pandemic we are facing.
Dan LaTurno had big shoes to fill as Dick Peplow retired after 46 years as President of Peoria Production Shop. The new president came from a textile and for-profit background, therefore PPS was a fresh start. Not to mention, Dan was also able to bring new ideas to the company from past experience.
Dan required all of his management team to participate in a Leadership Management Course to ensure all employees are on the same page. The 11-week course touches on time management, delegation, motivation, problem solving, and maximizing people’s potential.
In his first year as the CEO, LaTurno made sure to create meaningful relationships with his employees. All throughout the week, each day, employees flood his office with important information and to simply ‘catch up’. Also, several of the employees who work in the plant make sure to stop by and say hello. Dan has made an effort to help out the employees outside of the typical work week by helping individuals move into their own apartments.
LaTurno wants to make a difference at PPS. He encourages open discussions and new ideas. Although this first year has been quite difficult regarding a pandemic, Dan is sure to learn from this experience and create more opportunities for the company.
Cheers to more years! PPS wants to thank you for a great first year.
