Articles by SCMFG/Staff

SiMT in Florence: Where Advanced Manufacturing Meets Workforce Development

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP On November 18, the OpExChange traveled to Florence for a visit to one of South Carolina’s most quietly influential manufacturing institutions – the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology, or SiMT. Although SiMT joined the OpExChange just over a year ago, their…


10 Reasons for Employees to Celebrate 2026

As 2026 comes into view, business leaders are bracing for a wave of transformation—and not the kind that leaves employees guessing. From smarter automation to stronger safety protocols, manufacturers now have a host of reasons to welcome the year ahead with optimism. Many analysts say 2026 will…


Home Turf Advantage: KION’s Expansion Strengthens South Carolina Manufacturing

Members of the OpExChange network visited KION North America’s Summerville campus on November 4th for an immersive look at one of South Carolina’s most capable manufacturing operations. Leading the visit was Daniel Schlegel, Vice President of Operations, whose decades of experience – and genuine enthusiasm for the…


10 Reasons South Carolina’s Aerospace Sector Is Soaring

For decades, South Carolina was known primarily for textiles, agriculture, and — in more recent years — automotive manufacturing. But today, another industry has captured the spotlight and is transforming the state’s economic identity: aerospace. From Boeing’s gleaming 787 Dreamliner assembly line in North Charleston to Lockheed…


Building a Digital Twin: Seeing the Future Before You Build It

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP In the OpExChange, we’ve seen how powerful visualization can be in driving improvement. One of the most exciting tools helping manufacturers do just that is digital twin simulation modeling – a method that allows teams to test, refine, and de-risk decisions…




Itron: Creating a More Resourceful World

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP In early September, the OpExChange held a plant tour at Itron’s West Union facility, giving members an inside look at how the company is shaping the future of energy and resource management. Itron’s mission is to “create a more resourceful world.”…


From Fiber to Fabrication: South Carolina Manufacturers Ride the Data Center Wave

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP South Carolina’s manufacturing landscape is experiencing a subtle but profound transformation, fueled by the rapid expansion of data centers. On a recent OpExChange webinar, a panel of experts explored the factors driving this growth and what it means for local manufacturers….


A Letter from the Publisher: In Defense of Dabo

As publisher of South Carolina Manufacturing, I spend my days covering businesses that understand the value of long-term vision, steady leadership, and weathering occasional setbacks. That’s why the recent criticism of Dabo Swinney troubles me. We’ve Become Spoiled Let’s be honest, we Clemson fans have become spoiled….