FRI OCT 23, 2026 · ISM PMI 54.6 ▼ 1.0 AUG HRC STEEL $1,267/MT ▲ 3.8% MoM DIESEL SE $5.61/GAL ▲ $1.91 YoY
Home›SCMFG Exclusives
Category

SCMFG Exclusives

88 stories

Artificial Intelligence Nov 6

Can they hurt me? Will they take my job? Manufacturing employees question robots invading workspace

While manufacturers tune up their production processes with the ever-increasing use of automated technologies and robotics, a level of distrust has festered between flesh and blood employees and their machined counterparts now working alongside. Not only are some of these workers scared of losing their jobs, Clemson University Associate Professor and Chair on Manufacturing Automation […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Oct 10

Lifting Safety – Risk Reduction and Asset Protection

The most important resources in manufacturing are the operators and mechanics that make the production process work. Even as automation is increasing in the workplace, the human factor is essential. To keep your manufacturing running smoothly, it is essential to take care of the human resources. This means that safety of each operator and mechanic […]

By SCMFG/Staff
Manufacturing Sep 29

10 things you probably didn’t know about SC women in aviation

As Lockheed Martin and Boeing patrol the Palmetto State’s borders to the north and south, the aviation and aerospace sector in South Carolina has become a sledgehammer, pounding out $19 billion in economic impact every year. With the 787-10 assembly in Charleston, the F-16 being built in Greenville and other industry work scattered around the […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Sep 4

Arrogance, Confidence, or Competence?

I have been told that aerospace engineers have a reputation of being “arrogant.” In fact, my specific discipline of expertise (air-frame structures) had a reputation of being some of the most arrogant even among aerospace engineers. Arrogance is defined as “being proud in an unpleasant way and behaving as if you are better or more […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Jul 31

Is A College Education the Only Way?

For as long as I can remember, my father and mother emphasized the importance of a college education. When I  was considering what I would do after high school, there was no question that I would start a college career. Since I always wanted to be an engineer, having the opportunity to go to college […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Jul 17

Tariffs and Unions; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

How do labor unions and tariffs impact our economy and manufacturing in the US? I’ve heard statements that tariffs are generally assumed to favor corporations where labor unions favor the worker. Both of these ideas usually lead to politically charged discussions where the opinion on the effectiveness of each usually tends to follow political party […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler May 14

A Question of Ethics

The recent reports about production short cuts, blind-eye approvals, optional safety devices, and corporate management failures have been painful to read. I can’t comment on the truthfulness of the statements made about Boeing and their senior managers as I certainly don’t know all the facts. I spent a significant part of my professional career at […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Apr 21

High Paying Jobs in Manufacturing – Fact or Fiction?

One can’t attend an economic development forum, technical college recruitment, or any chamber of commerce meeting without hearing the mention of high paying jobs in South Carolina. In addition, employers (large and small) continue to scream for skilled workers. I’ve heard comments like, “Attend a trade school; get a two-year degree in welding and you […]

By SCMFG/Staff
Manufacturing Apr 20

Hey! This team knows the business; Upstate manufacturers place value on tenured HR

Ask any manufacturing executive across South Carolina to name the sector’s most critical need and the answer is almost always, workforce. No doubt, the state’s economy and manufacturing firms benefit from recruiting employment from all over the world and bringing them here to live, work and play. No doubt, the state’s learning institutions and technical […]

By SCMFG/Staff
"In the air or on the road" Manufacturing Design with Paul Kumler Mar 7

Drones – The First Step to Autonomous Human Flight

I received my first recreational drone for Christmas three years ago. It was a pretty simple system. The frame was light weight plastic with four independently powered props. It had an on-board camera that could take still pictures and videos. It also had colored tip lights to that I could identify if it was coming […]

By SCMFG/Staff
Partner with SCMFG
Become a partner →

Reach South Carolina's manufacturing leaders through sponsored editorial, events and advertising across the digital magazine and weekly e-newsletter.