Articles by SCMFG/Staff
Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing: A Hero of American Manufacturing
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP In the quiet town of Bamberg, South Carolina, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing stands as a shining example of American manufacturing resilience. A fourth-generation, family-owned company with roots dating back to 1907, Phoenix was recently honored by the National Institute of Standards and…
The Keys to Successful Manufacturing Equipment Installation (Part 3)
By Andre Harris, Vice President, A M King This is Part 3 in our three-part series about manufacturing equipment installation. See Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them. This time we’re focusing on the finer points of this complex process and sharing client results. A…
IFA Charleston: Automotive Transformation through Investment and Innovation
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP Summerville, SC – The manufacturing landscape is in constant flux, and nowhere is this more evident than in today’s automotive industry. Electrification, digitalization, shifting supply chains, workforce challenges, and sustainability mandates are forcing manufacturers to adapt at an unprecedented pace. Amid…
The Keys to Successful Manufacturing Equipment Installation (Part 2)
By Andre Harris, Vice President, A M King Thanks for reading our three-part series about manufacturing equipment installation. In Part 1 we talked about common challenges and introduced a client story. This time we’re exploring why preparation is so important, and in the final installment we’ll focus…
The Keys to Successful Manufacturing Equipment Installation (Part 1)
By Andre Harris, Vice President, A M King Join us for this three-part series about manufacturing equipment installation. In Part 1, we explore the challenges. Part 2 will cover why preparation is so important, and in Part 3 I’ll reveal how we seamlessly integrate new machines into…
The Argument for Annexation: Why Greenville Must Grow to Thrive
Greenville stands at a crossroads. The region has a metropolitan area of 928,195 residents, international businesses relocate major operations here, and downtown features world class amenities. Yet the city itself remains artificially constrained within 30 square miles, capturing just 13% of its own county’s population. Other South…
Learning to See at FN America
In early June, something remarkable happened in Columbia, South Carolina. FN America, one of the world’s premier firearm manufacturers, opened its doors not just for a typical plant tour – but for a first-of-its-kind, multi-day Kaizen event hosted through the OpExChange. It marked an exciting new chapter…
Sustainability Resource Guide for Manufacturers from SCMEP
The OpExChange community gathered virtually for a webinar introducing a valuable new tool designed to help manufacturers navigate the increasingly complex world of sustainability. This event spotlighted the recently launched Sustainability Resource Guide – a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference developed specifically for small and mid-sized manufacturers. A Strategic…
Does Greenville Really Want to Be on This List?
Greenville, South Carolina finds itself in peculiar company on HGTV’s list of “Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in the South”. The designation might seem flattering at first glance, but a closer examination reveals a fundamental disconnect between Greenville’s actual size and economic importance versus its placement alongside genuinely…







