Events

April 21, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

HR leaders today are navigating one of the most complex workforce environments in decades. The HR Leader Exchange provides a confidential, peer-driven forum where manufacturing HR leaders can step away from day-to-day demands and engage in honest conversation with others who understand the challenges. Through facilitated small-group discussions, participants will share successes, compare approaches, and gain practical insight on attracting and retaining talent, strengthening culture, and developing the leaders who drive their organizations forward.

April 28, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

A third-generation family company owned by Markel Ventures, Metromont has built a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and a culture of safety. This visit will explore how Metromont integrates Lean principles into precast operations and leverages technology in production to meet the demands of large-scale, complex construction projects.

May 12, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Tuffaloy Products has spent nearly 90 years manufacturing precision resistance welding consumables, supplying the current that powers modern manufacturing. Today, this fourth-generation, family-owned company is also conducting change on the shop floor. During this OpExChange visit, you’ll see how Tuffaloy has integrated MachineMetrics with its ERP system to create real-time operational visibility. From downtime tagging to Pareto analysis, the team is turning production data into actionable improvement. This tour offers a practical look at how a legacy manufacturer is combining technology, process, and people to drive measurable results.

May 19, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Discover three powerful resources available to South Carolina manufacturers looking to strengthen and expand their supply chain. This session brings together three distinct programs—SC CONNEX, SC APEX Accelerator, and OpExChange—each offering unique capabilities to help manufacturers connect with suppliers, identify new business opportunities, and improve overall competitiveness.

May 20, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Reduce downtime. Boost productivity. Gain a competitive edge. Discover how SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) can revolutionize your operations in this hands-on, half-day workshop. This session will show you how to dramatically cut equipment changeover times using a proven Lean manufacturing approach.

June 2, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Dish Network, a Gold-level OpExChange member, has been highly engaged for two decades, earning recognition as both a Most Engaged Company and Gieselmann Collaborator of the Year. Their commitment to continuous improvement is more than a program—it’s a deeply embedded lean culture. One of the standout tools developed at their facility is a hands-on lean simulation used to onboard every new hire. Through building a “widget,” employees gain a practical, real-world understanding of lean fundamentals from day one. In this four-hour session, Dish Network will bring this training to life through a live demonstration of the simulation. Attendees will walk away with a clear blueprint for implementing a similar program in their own operations, along with access to the full presentation and training materials.

June 10, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll get no-nonsense, actionable insights on how to leverage generative AI tools securely and effectively. Learn what matters most to your business and prepare your company for the future... without the buzzwords. Walk away with practical workflows you can implement in months, not years.

June 23, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 PM

Building on the strong engagement and impact of the inaugural session, the OpExChange Plant Manager Exchange returns as a focused forum for manufacturing leaders to deepen collaboration and continue critical conversations. This confidential, peer-driven session brings together returning participants alongside a limited number of new plant managers, creating a dynamic environment for both continuity and fresh perspective. Moderated by Dale McClelland, Plant Manager at Timken – Union, the Exchange emphasizes practical dialogue over presentation—enabling leaders to benchmark ideas, challenge assumptions, and share proven approaches to common operational challenges. The session reinforces a core principle of OpExChange: meaningful improvement is accelerated when leaders learn directly from one another in a trusted, real-world setting.

June 24, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Allegiance Flag Supply will share how they used ChatGPT and production time-study data to rebalance work across an eight-station sewing line—achieving a 10–20% productivity improvement without additional capital investment. This webinar provides a practical look at how generative AI can support real manufacturing operations.

August 3, 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

🏌️‍♂️ Calling All OpExChange Members! Grab your clubs and get ready to hit the greens for a great cause! The OpExChange Charity Golf Tournament is happening at The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg, SC, and we’re teeing off to support local veterans, first responders, and their families through Upstate Warrior Solution.