Events

April 28, 2023

During an OpExChange tour, RASCO highlighted their successful plant-wide implementation of Training Within Industry (TWI). The six-year initiative standardized job instruction, trained over 100 employees, and enhanced operational performance. Using structured scripts, reflection meetings, and technology-enabled tracking, RASCO ensures employees perform tasks safely, correctly, and efficiently while fostering engagement and continuous improvement.

April 13, 2023

Cybersecurity is no longer optional for manufacturers. In this virtual session, Wes Knight outlined the risks SMEs face, from potential losses of $100K to $1.5M to the threat of business closure following an attack. Beyond risk mitigation, implementing standards such as CMMC or TISAX can provide a competitive advantage, streamline audits, and help attract new clients. The session also emphasized the importance of maintaining standards, documenting processes, and fostering a culture of compliance.

March 21, 2023

Carolina Food Service in Loris, SC, has grown rapidly since 2009 by focusing on superior customer service. During an OpExChange visit, President Juan Serrato shared how the company leveraged SCMEP resources to develop a five-year strategic plan, boosting sales, refining marketing, and building a culture of continuous improvement. Initiatives like TalentClick assessments, Enterprise Café analytics, and lean-inspired warehouse practices have helped CFS expand market share and improve operational efficiency.

March 14, 2023

Chris Wayne, VP of Business Development & Growth at SCMEP, led a one-hour OpExChange webinar on Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE). He explained how VAVE can increase customer value and reduce manufacturing costs by making strategic design decisions early, using cross-functional teams to explore cost “knobs” and levers. Examples ranged from a simple pencil to the Apollo 11 Lander, showing that while the process is straightforward, it requires diverse perspectives and openness to new ideas. The full recording, presentation deck, and Excel templates are available on the OpExChange Portal.

March 7, 2023

Cascades Tissue Group recently welcomed OpExChange members to share how they are strengthening employee engagement across their operations. The team highlighted practical approaches to communication, leadership involvement, and creating ownership at the front line. Rather than focusing solely on tools or programs, Cascades emphasized building trust and connection with their workforce. Attendees gained real-world insights into how engagement improvements can drive culture, performance, and retention.

March 2, 2023

ZF Transmissions showcased its Gray Court facility to highlight its rapid growth in e-Mobility and the use of Industry 4.0 technologies. The visit featured collaborative robots, data-driven condition monitoring, and an interactive e-Mobility Expo demonstrating how innovation is improving safety, productivity, and workforce engagement. Together, these initiatives underscore ZF’s role in advancing electric vehicle manufacturing in South Carolina.

February 6, 2023

Boeing South Carolina has been “building the dream” since establishing 787 Dreamliner final assembly operations in North Charleston in 2010. The site showcases advanced manufacturing through highly automated assembly, extensive use of carbon fiber composites, and innovative safety technologies such as ergonomic exoskeletons. Beyond production, Boeing has played a major role in strengthening South Carolina’s manufacturing ecosystem by expanding its supplier base and investing heavily in workforce development. Through statewide STEM outreach and programs like DreamLearners, Boeing is helping build a skilled talent pipeline that benefits both the aerospace industry and the broader South Carolina economy.

January 24, 2023

PCI Group in Fort Mill hosted an OpExChange plant visit focused on sharing progress in its lean journey and innovative approaches to employee development and engagement. The transactional mail provider demonstrated how lean principles, executive commitment, and standard work have supported significant growth while maintaining high-volume, high-security operations. Highlights included a highly automated production flow with minimal work-in-process, strong visual management tied to service-level agreements, and a robust onboarding and career progression program. The visit concluded with an engaging peer discussion centered on retention, training, and building a sustainable lean culture.

January 12, 2023

Dodge Industrial in Greenville, SC hosted an OpExChange plant visit that highlighted its long-standing commitment to operational excellence. As a founding and active OpExChange member, the site demonstrated its capabilities in manufacturing heavy-duty industrial gearboxes, supported by a strong Lean and Six Sigma infrastructure. Visitors observed multiple Kaizen initiatives, a structured tiered performance management process, and a dedicated lean laboratory. The visit also emphasized Dodge Industrial’s exceptional safety culture, including the SafeStart Now program, which has driven significant and sustained improvements in safety performance.

December 6, 2022

The year-end review highlighted strong growth, with membership increasing 64% since mid-2020, despite pandemic disruptions. In 2022, 33 events were delivered through a mix of in-person plant visits, virtual sessions, and half-day workshops, engaging more than 1,000 participants statewide. Several companies and individuals were recognized for outstanding engagement, collaboration, and employee development, including a renamed collaboration award honoring a long-time industry contributor. The update also outlined board leadership activity and previewed a robust slate of plant visits, workshops, and virtual events planned for the first quarter of 2023.