Why OEMs Outsource Kitting: Driving Efficiency Beyond the Assembly Line
For OEMs, assembly and production lines are only as strong as the processes feeding them. That’s why many manufacturers turn to outsourcing kitting – not just to package parts neatly, but to remove bottlenecks, reduce hidden costs, and unlock valuable floor space. At WCI, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic kitting and packaging services keep lines running smoothly, while freeing OEMs to focus on building great products.
The Core Benefits of Outsourced Kitting
Inventory Cost and Space Reduction
Every square foot on your production floor is expensive real estate. By outsourcing kitting, OEMs can shift parts storage and staging off-site. WCI manages inventory, organizes kits, and delivers them just-in-time, eliminating the need to overstock or dedicate valuable space to bins, racks, or pallets.
Fewer Material Handling Touchpoints
Every time an operator sorts, stages, or searches for a part, time is lost – and errors creep in. Outsourced kitting streamlines material flow by delivering ready-to-use kits line-side. That means fewer hands in the process, lower handling costs, and reduced risk of mistakes.
Dunnage Elimination
Loose packaging waste (dunnage) isn’t just annoying, it eats up labor, space, and disposal costs. WCI designs returnable, reusable packaging that eliminates excess waste and simplifies the receiving process. Kits arrive in order, ready for immediate use, without the clean-up headache.
Improved Assembly Speed and Quality
Sequenced kits ensure that parts arrive in the exact order operators need them. This reduces installation time, prevents misbuilds, and supports lean, repeatable processes across production shifts. For sensitive components, WCI can also provide clean-room capabilities and sealed packaging, maintaining part integrity until the moment of installation.
Supply Chain Flexibility
OEMs need to respond quickly to product changes, volume swings, and service requirements. With outsourced kitting and packaging, WCI adapts labeling and delivery cadence without forcing OEMs to reconfigure internal lines or retrain teams. That flexibility keeps production agile and responsive to shifts in demand.
Aftermarket and Service Support
The benefits don’t stop at the factory. Outsourced service kits ensure dealers and technicians have everything they need to complete field repairs the first time. This reduces callbacks, increases customer satisfaction, and ensures consistent branding across networks.
Real-World Impact
When a global agricultural OEM partnered with WCI, they freed up over 2,500 square feet of production space and reduced assembly labor by repacking subassemblies into kit-to-build modules. The results:
• 100% kit accuracy with ERP-integrated validation
• Safer, more efficient installation processes
This isn’t just about kitting – it’s a smarter way to run production.
Efficiency Starts Here
Outsourcing kitting gives OEMs a competitive edge by reducing costs, removing inefficiencies, and supporting leaner operations from production through aftermarket. At WCI, we build and manage hundreds of kit programs every year – tailored to the unique demands of your product, supply chain, and customer base.
If your line feels weighed down by excess inventory, wasted space, or rework, it may be time to let WCI do the heavy lifting. Explore our full capabilities here.
