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…
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…
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP Fort Mill, SC – October 21, 2025 Members of the OpExChange network gathered at Northern Tool + Equipment’s (NTE) 800,000-square-foot distribution center in Fort Mill for a deep dive into “Smart Distribution.” Hosted by DC Manager Amanda Stukitz, this benchmarking event…
Jumpstart Vision: Transforming Lives Through Manufacturing Careers South Carolina manufacturers face a mathematical crisis that threatens billions in economic output: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports the state has only 90 available workers for every 100 open jobs, creating a workforce deficit that forces companies to turn…
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.”…
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….
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….
For decades, the logistics sector was viewed as the hidden engine of global commerce—quietly moving goods from factories to warehouses to store shelves. Clients and consumers often knew little about what happened in between. But that traditional image has been reshaped. Today, logistics is not just about…
In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, time is the most precious commodity. Yet the most successful leaders carve out space to read — not just for inspiration, but for framework, strategies, and stories that shape their decisions. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or scaling…
Hey there, Running a small business on a tight budget but know you need a professional website and SEO to compete? You’re not alone. Most small business owners think they can’t afford professional digital marketing—but that’s not true. I’m hosting a FREE webinar to show you what’s…