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.
MacLean Power Systems | York
September 15, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
See how MacLean Power Systems is using SCADA data and a cost-effective Guidewheel system to drive continuous improvement and improve manufacturing efficiency—September 15 in York, SC.
Teams Meeting | Virtual
September 23, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Hammer-IMS will share a real-world implementation of AI-driven quality inspection, showing how their team dramatically reduced programming time and automated complex defect detection. For OpExChange members eager to see practical examples of AI in manufacturing, this session will highlight lessons learned and insights from a successful integration.
Metromont | Greenville
April 28, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
A 63-acre facility. Massive structural components. A process that looks nothing like traditional manufacturing—until you look closer. During our recent visit to Metromont in Greenville, members saw how precast concrete production blends craftsmanship, lean fundamentals, and targeted technology. From managing casting bed constraints to leveraging robotics for measurable gains in safety, capacity, and labor efficiency, the operation reinforced a familiar truth: different products, same challenges.
Heidelberg Materials Training Center | Lexington
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.
Hyatt Regency | Greenville
April 7, 2026 @ 8:00 am — April 8, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
The premier event is dedicated to advancing digital transformation in manufacturing. This unique conference is led by manufacturers, for manufacturers, and features insightful case studies and presentations from industry leaders. Several OpExChange member companies will be presenting and will also share their expertise during the event.
Irsinghausen | Ladson
March 24, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
A behind-the-scenes look at Isringhausen’s Ladson plant, where just-in-sequence manufacturing supports Mercedes-Benz in real time. This visit highlights how culture, continuous improvement, and MES technology come together to drive performance.
SCMEP Greenville | Greenville
March 11, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Manufacturing leaders from across South Carolina gathered for a hands-on OpExChange workshop exploring how Generative AI can be applied inside manufacturing organizations. Cameron Duncan of Hallian Technologies demystified the technology and shared practical frameworks for identifying AI opportunities that increase productivity, reduce costs, and unlock new business value.
ITW Hartness | Greenville
March 3, 2026
11:45 am - 2:30 pm
OpExChange members visited ITW Hartness in Greenville for an inside look at how the company applies the 80/20 philosophy to simplify operations, improve flow, and build high-performance packaging automation systems.
Leidos | Ladson
March 2, 2026 @ 7:00 am — March 5, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
Join us for an exclusive, four-day Kaizen event hosted at Leidos in North Charleston. This is not a classroom exercise – this is hands-on learning in a real factory, assembling sophisticated people-screening systems. This is a rare opportunity to sharpen your Lean skills while making a meaningful impact at a high-performance operation. Take what you learn back to your own facility and drive measurable change.
SCMEP Columbia | Columbia
February 25, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
In this workshop in Columbia, Master Black Belt David Woods led participants through a hands-on SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) simulation — demonstrating how significant performance gains are often achieved not through capital investment, but through disciplined observation and application of Lean principles. Working in teams, participants analyzed a live changeover process, separating internal and external tasks, improving preparation, and eliminating waste. The results were immediate and measurable: the group achieved an average 89% reduction in changeover time. The exercise reinforced a core Lean truth: meaningful operational improvements are driven by people — their engagement, preparation, and ability to see and improve the work.