142 stories
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP On Monday, September 8th, the Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg hosted the inaugural OpExChange Golf Tournament, bringing together 20 teams of four players each from OpExChange member companies for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. The event was more than just golf – it was a chance to […]
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP The anticipation was palpable on August 19 as members of OpExChange gathered for a highly coveted tour of BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg facility. Promoted since January, the event filled its 45 available spots in just five minutes, leaving a growing waiting list of manufacturers eager to learn from one of […]
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP Lyman, SC – In the nearly 24-year history of the OpExChange, no plant tour has been larger than the recent visit to SEW-Eurodrive’s Lyman, South Carolina campus. More than one hundred guests from forty-seven organizations, representing 17 counties, gathered to experience one of the more advanced manufacturing operations in […]
South Carolina’s manufacturing powerhouse is getting stronger with CONNEX SC – the free, state-funded platform connecting local manufacturers with verified suppliers The Supply Chain Reality Facing SC Manufacturers in 2025 Supply chain disruptions continue to challenge South Carolina’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector, which recorded $8.19 billion in capital investment in 2024 alone. From BMW’s Spartanburg […]
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