Lexington, South Carolina is home to two Michelin plants: US5 and US7. US5 produces passenger tires, while US7 manufactures massive tires for earth-moving equipment. Both plants joined the OpExChange in mid-2022. During a recent visit to US7, the two plants showcased their latest digital innovations. The group…
In manufacturing, our greatest asset is unquestionably our workforce. They are the ones who drive operations on the floor, craft and assemble products, and bring their creativity and problem-solving skills to the process. Great manufacturing leaders understand this and implement strong procedures. They apply lean methodology to…
When Jason Williams proposed hosting a safety-focused event at Wabtec in Greenville, there was significant interest. As the Site Director at the Greenville plant, Jason has been dedicated to developing a robust safety culture over the past three years. Despite the progress made, he sought collaboration with…
As the leader of the OpExChange for the SCMEP, my mission is to foster collaboration and the sharing of best practices among manufacturers in South Carolina. Our most recent plant visit took us to Dish Network’s Spartanburg facility, where thirty-three participants from ten counties and twenty-two companies…
The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) offers a range of assessments designed to help manufacturers benchmark their progress and identify strategies for growth. These assessments are tailored to address specific challenges faced by companies in the manufacturing sector. The organization provides four main types of assessments: Competitiveness…
In 2023, Governor Henry McMaster, along with South Carolina’s business community leaders, announced the launch of CONNEX South Carolina, a free online platform designed to strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry. This user-friendly tool provides manufacturers with one-stop access to find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and…
The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership are set to host the inaugural CONNEX SC B2B Matchmaker event, marking a significant milestone for the state’s manufacturing sector. This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster connections between South Carolina’s manufacturers and the state’s…
Recently, the OpExChange had the privilege of touring the American Honda plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina. This factory began production 26 years ago and has seen significant and continuous growth over the years. Since its inception, the plant has more than tripled in size, expanding from its…
Renowned for its commitment to excellence, the Rolls-Royce (RR) name is synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation. For over a century, the company has been at the forefront of technological advancement. Fourteen years ago, Rolls-Royce made a pivotal decision to relocate its mtu engine manufacturing operations to…
The Technical Assessment for Legacy Software In this case study, we examine the collaboration between South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) and Century Printing & Packaging (CPP) to address the company’s need to modernize its custom legacy software. SCMEP’s Chris Rauch initiated contact with Deveren Werne from TSVMap, leading to a series of meetings and pre-discovery sessions…