84 stories
Last week marked the first OpExChange plant visit of Q2 2024, hosted by BW Flexible Systems in Duncan, South Carolina. The primary focus of the tour was to offer insights into their people-centric culture and their ongoing implementation of lean manufacturing principles through a tiered reporting system. Thirty-two OpExChange representatives from twenty-three peer organizations across […]
The OpExChange visited the Starbucks Sandy Run Roasting plant in Gaston, South Carolina in early March. This plant is one of seven roasting plants in the world supplying ground coffee and whole beans to fuel the world. This facility opened in 2008 and recently celebrated their 15th anniversary. Shawn Newcomb is the Site Director for […]
In mid-February, the OpExChange peer networking group paid a visit to Current Lighting, located in Hendersonville, NC, a member of the OpExChange for 16 years. A total of forty-four peers from twenty-nine companies participated in the plant tour and collaborative discussions. The Current Lighting facility has an impressive 69-year history of production. Covering an 850,000 […]
The OpExChange thrives on success stories, driven by a collective “how-did-they-do-it” spirit. This thirst for knowledge fueled our 2024 plant visit to RX Industries (RXI) on Hilton Head Island. RXI has a remarkable journey. In 2020, at the start of the pandemic’s turmoil, Tom Rougeux found himself unemployed. After much soul searching and prayer, Tom […]
The OpExChange conducted its inaugural plant visit of 2024 on January 23 at Sealevel Systems, located in Liberty, SC. Established in 1986, Sealevel has witnessed substantial growth in the past four years, with a nearly doubled sales figure, an expanded market share in critical communications industries, and the achievement of their largest-ever energy design contract. […]
As the foremost manufacturing benchmarking group in South Carolina, the OpExChange recently concluded what may be considered its most successful year of engagement and peer-to-peer collaboration in its twenty-two-year history. In mid-December, the group organized its third annual year-in-review and awards ceremony, a virtual gathering that attracted over one hundred participants from sixty-one manufacturers and […]
The final OpExChange plant visit in 2023 led the team to Ingevity in Charleston. Established in 1948, this extensive chemical manufacturing plant is easily recognizable from the Don N. Holt Bridge on Highway 526 when heading towards Mount Pleasant. Ingevity is widely known for its commitment to sustainability, evident not only in their processes but […]
The OpExChange peer networking group consistently gravitates towards plant visits that showcase the efficient application of advanced technology. Members are always eager to witness the potential that arises from the integration of sophisticated technology with the innovative insights of engaged associates. They particularly value observing companies that not only achieve a high level of excellence […]
In a recent OpExChange plant visit, peer manufacturing and distribution professionals had the privilege of exploring some cutting-edge advancements made this year at Sumter Packaging in Sumter, South Carolina. The event began with a presentation from Tom Lawrence, Quality Manager, followed by a personalized plant tour, and concluded with a collaborative discussion among the visiting […]
The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (VR) is often referred to as the “best-kept secret” in the realm of workforce development and employee retention for South Carolina businesses. As October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), OpExChange celebrated the month’s conclusion with an event at VR’s 26-acre state office campus and Lexington training center […]
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