Wylie & Son, Inc., a family-owned and operated business, has served the agricultural community since 1930. In 1964, Loy Wylie identified a critical need for durable herbicide sprayers to address weed control challenges faced by West Texas farmers. This innovation launched Wylie Manufacturing, which quickly became a leader in agricultural equipment.
For 36 years, Scot Wylie served as Chief Executive Officer guiding the company with a commitment to provide high-quality, affordable, state-of-the-art products and services. In the Fall of 2025, Scot officially announced his retirement and the sale of 100% of his family’s ownership in Wylie & Son, Inc. to the Wylie & Son Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trust making the company employee-owned. This shift ensures that those who know the business best, its employees, now share directly in its success, preserving the culture, values, and customer commitment that have defined Wylie for more than six decades. Wylie & Son, Inc. has always stood for honesty, quality, and service. As Scot shared with his our employees, “The Wylie name stands for integrity in all aspects of business. People know that, in all decisions, our final guide point is, simply, to do the right thing.”
With a global supply chain and ever-evolving competition in the agricultural industry, Wylie remains
committed to producing high-quality trailers, spray rigs, repair parts, and custom orders for distributors across the nation. As the company approaches its centennial milestone, they are more focused than ever on improving their processes and people, starting with their remote manufacturing facility in rural Petersburg, Texas.
The Situation
Wylie Manufacturing sought to enhance operational efficiency and streamline
its production processes. In addition to having functional systems in place, the
company identified opportunities to reduce waste, optimize workflows, and
foster a culture of continuous improvement. To support address these goals,
Wylie Manufacturing partnered with TMAC to deliver workforce training and
conduct value stream mapping and time-study initiatives.
The Solution
TMAC designed a multi-phase program to address Wylie’s needs:
Phase 1: Lean Training (“What is Lean?”)
The first phase, “What is Lean?,” involved three highly focused and interactive training sessions, each with up to 30 participants from across the plant. During these sessions, TMAC instructors, Dustin Delano and Naveen Narra, introduced key Lean principles, including waste reduction, workflow optimization, problem solving, and inventory management. Using a hands-on Lego simulation to model a production process, participants applied concepts including point-of-use storage, workload balancing, one-piece flow, and layout and scheduling optimization. This engaging format ensured that attendees gained both theoretical and practical experience while also facilitating cross functional collaboration.
Phase 2: Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
The second phase focused on value stream mapping (VSM) involving selected assembly personnel in an intensive half-day session. TMAC facilitators trained participants in identifying inefficiencies, defining workflows, and uncovering waste. Through a guided “current state” mapping exercise, participants collaborated to brainstorm actionable solutions. Improvement opportunities were identified and the team discussed implementation strategies, including potential barriers and steps to overcome them.
Phase 3: Time Study Implementation
In the final phase, TMAC worked closely with Wylie’s assembly team to prioritize an initial improvement initiative: conducting a time study on their most popular trailer assembly process. During an on-site visit, TMAC guided the team in collecting detailed cycle-time data for each step, establishing a baseline for future analysis and targeted improvements.
The Results
Wylie Manufacturing’s collaboration with TMAC yielded measurable gains in operational efficiency and increased employee engagement in continuous improvement initiatives. The introduction of Lean principles has begun to drive incremental improvements in production speed, risk reduction, and workforce morale, with further enhancements expected as the team continues to refine its
processes and understanding of lean.
Additionally, the group training sessions fostered stronger cross-functional relationships creating opportunities for employees to collaborate in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and grow as a company. Most importantly, the project established a foundation for a sustainable culture of operational excellence that empowers employees to identify, implement, and sustain process enhancements. By embracing Lean principles and leveraging TMAC’s expertise, Wylie Manufacturing along with their steady and long-term employees are strengthening their operational foundation and positioning itself for long-term growth, efficiency, and success.
- $55,000 in new investments
- $25,000 in cost savings
“TMAC’s Lean training and process mapping sessions were transformative for the team. The
hands-on approach made the concepts easy to understand, and we’ve already seen significant
improvements in efficiency and lead times.”Jason Johnson
V.P. HR & Safety
