WOW Logistics® promoted Chris Perkins, Jay Probasco, and Mike VanWolvelaere during a recent restructure of the Engineering department to support the company’s long-term growth.
Perkins will lead the department as Vice President of Engineering, overseeing all engineering initiatives across the company. He joined the WOW team in 2021 as Director of Engineering, Project Planning and Implementation (PPI). Throughout his tenure with the company, Perkins has led initiatives that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and profitability.
“Leading WOW’s engineering team offers the opportunity to drive innovation and improve processes. We have already started developing tiered growth plans and refining roles to ensure clarity and efficiency,” said Perkins. “I plan to align our efforts with the company’s strategic goals while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment to ensure we’re working toward common objectives.”
Moving forward, Perkins and his team have a plan in place to standardize processes, drive out waste using Lean methodologies, and increase the department’s involvement in customer engagements.
“Chris Perkins is exceptionally skilled. His talents, wealth of experience, and drive will transform the way we operate,” said Bill Myers, Chief Technology Officer. “His ability to streamline processes, identify solutions, and drive efficiency will help us improve our already high standard for operational excellence. I am excited for what Chris will continue to bring to WOW in this role.”
Probasco has been appointed Director of Solutions Engineering, where he will focus on developing and executing integrated supply chain solutions including facility layout, process flow, labor requirements, storage system, information technology systems, and other related items. He started with WOW in 2016 as a Logistics Engineer. In 2020, he was promoted to Manager of Solutions Engineering where he supported WOW’s customer base with facility design projects, proposals, storage/handling pricing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
“During his tenure at WOW, Jay has successfully managed some of the most complex customer projects across our strategic business units,” said Perkins. “His expertise has fostered long-term, profitable relationships and streamlined the development of customized solutions, accelerating speed to market. Jay’s passion for solving intricate supply chain challenges is evident to everyone he collaborates with.”
VanWolvelaere will serve as Director of Operational Engineering, where he will spearhead efforts to optimize internal operations, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement. He joined the WOW team in 2019 as an Operations Engineer. In this role, he supported three contract operations sites, third-party logistics (3PL) operations, and material handling equipment fleet purchasing and maintenance.
“Mike consistently showcases his ability to manage complex projects and drive continuous improvement efforts,” said Perkins. “He has been instrumental in launching new projects, enhancing operational efficiencies through strategic planning, and has established himself as a subject matter expert in systems and material handling equipment. With his proven track record and commitment, Mike is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the success of the operations engineering team and the organization.”
This restructuring reflects WOW’s commitment to aligning our engineering team to meet the dynamic needs of our clients and the evolving marketplace. By removing silos between functions, the company aims to foster greater collaboration and agility across departments, ensuring more cohesive and innovative solutions.
