OpExchange members may enroll immediately for available events. Note that guests may attend virtual event provided that they work with a South Carolina manufacturing company.
SCMEP Greenville | Greenville
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.
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center | Mount Pleasant
June 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am — June 10, 2026 @ 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.
The Carolina Country Club | Spartanburg
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.
Virtual Teams Meeting - Send email to mdemos@scmep.org to join today | Virtual
February 3, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Artificial Intelligence is no longer confined to tech companies—it’s quickly becoming a practical tool for manufacturers looking to work smarter and stay competitive. In this one-hour OpExChange webinar, Cameron Duncan, Co-Founder of Hallian Technologies, breaks down Generative AI in plain language and shows how organizations can begin applying it safely and effectively. From Large Language Models to Retrieval Augmented Generation, this session focused on what AI really is, how it works, and how to start small without the hype.
Timken - Tyger River | Union
January 13, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
At Timken’s Tyger River plant, operational excellence is not theoretical—it’s visible, measurable, and deeply embedded. During an OpExChange visit focused on TMOS 2, participants saw how a 125-year-old company is redefining flow, quality, and responsiveness in a highly complex, make-to-order job shop. Through disciplined systems, real-time data connectivity, and a workforce with extraordinary tenure, the team has turned material flow into a true competitive advantage—cutting lead times to levels competitors cannot match while maintaining the performance standards Timken is known for worldwide.
Life Cycle Engineering | North Charleston
January 6, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Are utility costs cutting into your margins? Has your company been receiving more inquiries about sustainability performance? This half-day workshop will explore actionable steps to meet these increasing requirements in ways that are practical and relevant to your business. We’ll share strategies for smarter energy, water, and waste management, and guide you through calculating your Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
SCMEP | Virtual
December 16, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
2025 marked the strongest year in OpExchange history. In this recorded webinar, Mike Demos reflects on a year of record participation, statewide growth, and meaningful collaboration across South Carolina manufacturing. The session includes a recap of key milestones, member growth, portal enhancements, a look ahead to 2026, and the presentation of our annual Engagement Awards — recognizing companies and individuals who exemplify the spirit of sharing, learning, and continuous improvement that defines OpExchange.
SiMT | Florence
November 18, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
In November, 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 much further. For nearly two decades, they have played a dual role that few organizations can claim: they are both a manufacturing services provider and a workforce engine.
KION North America | Summerville
November 4, 2025
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A tour of KION North America’s Summerville campus showcased world-class manufacturing in action. From custom forklift assembly and mast fabrication to smart logistics and robotic welding, the visit highlighted how automation, precision, and people-driven innovation come together. KION’s Home Turf initiative demonstrates the value of local production, workforce development, and operational excellence.
SCMEP Greenville | Greenville
October 29, 2025
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
OpExChange members explored digital twin simulation modeling in a hands-on workshop led by Jason Merschat. Participants built virtual models of their own processes, testing scenarios and identifying constraints before making real-world changes. The session highlighted how digital twins combine Lean principles, data, and visualization to drive smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.