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A Look at How MEPs Drive Growth, Safeguard Jobs, and Fuel the Next Generation of Advanced Manufacturing For decades, the nation’s network of Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) has served as one of the country’s most effective—and often under-recognized—economic development engines. Created under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), MEPs […]
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 impact on the state’s manufacturing landscape stretches back […]
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 redefine how facilities operate, with trends pointing toward […]
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 craft – shaped a thoughtful, people-focused conversation. KION […]
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 Martin’s production of F-16 fighter jets in Greenville, […]
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 before they make them. On October 29th, Jason […]
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 highlighted how a family-owned company blends people, process, […]
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 away contracts and limit growth. While the worker […]
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.” Their focus is on transforming how communities manage […]
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. Moderated by Shane Whatley of THS Constructors, the […]
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