Events

October 5, 2026 @ 9:00 am — October 9, 2026 @ 4:00 pm

Go beyond the classroom with this rare, hands-on SMED Kaizen experience hosted at Bausch + Lomb in Greenville. Work directly inside a live manufacturing environment applying SMED principles to real processes while learning how to reduce changeover time, eliminate waste, and improve operational flexibility under the guidance of David Woods, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Walk away with practical experience, measurable results, actionable takeaways, and an SCMEP Certificate in the Application of SMED. Participation is limited to just 20 attendees.

October 6, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

One of the greatest benefits of MX.0 Southeast was not just the technology – it was the conversations and connections between manufacturing leaders. This October, SEW Eurodrive opens its Maxolution showroom for the MX.0 Maxolution Mixer, an after hours networking event designed for manufacturing professionals to connect, collaborate, and discuss advanced manufacturing, AI, workforce challenges, and operational excellence. Because sometimes the biggest ideas – and strongest connections – start with a conversation.

October 27, 2026

This visit to AFL in Dunan will focus on operational excellence, manufacturing growth, and continuous improvement within one of South Carolina’s leading advanced manufacturing organizations. Attendees will gain insight into capital equipment expansion, plant layout optimization, material flow improvements, and AFL’s Manufacturing Excellence Operating System - all while supporting rapidly growing markets tied to AI, broadband infrastructure, and hyperscale data centers.

June 16, 2026
11:00 am - 2:30 PM

Visit Otis Elevator Company’s Florence facility as they share the next phase of their digital transformation journey. Explore how automation, AMRs, VLMs, and real-time data systems are coming together to create a more connected, efficient, and responsive manufacturing operation.

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

Go beyond AI theory and explore how manufacturers are putting Generative AI to work. In this second installment of OpExChange's AI workshop series, Cameron Duncan of Hallian Technologies guided participants through practical applications including AI assistants, agents, workflows, demand forecasting, engineering support, customer service, and HR knowledge systems. The session emphasized implementation, governance, data quality, and ROI, helping manufacturers understand how to start with small, high-impact projects that build organizational capability over time. Attendees also explored real-world examples of AI-powered workflows that improve consistency, speed, and decision-making across manufacturing operations.

June 2, 2026
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Go beyond classroom Lean training and experience what happens when operational excellence becomes part of culture.

During this immersive, hands-on simulation event at DISH Spartanburg, members explored how nearly two decades of continuous improvement shaped an organization where employees at every level participate in Lean. Led by Brian Harris, General Manager, and Mela Ly, Continuous Improvement Manager, participants worked through DISH’s internally developed Lean simulation while discussing leadership engagement, sustainment challenges, workforce development, and practical approaches to building a culture of ownership. This recap includes event highlights, photos, full videos, training materials, and supporting resources to help members take concepts beyond theory and into application.

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

In this second SMED workshop of the year, Master Black Belt David Woods led participants through a hands-on SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) simulation focused on reducing changeover time through Lean principles, observation, and preparation — not capital investment. Working in teams, participants analyzed a live changeover process, separated internal and external tasks, and eliminated waste, achieving an average 89% reduction in changeover time. The workshop reinforced a key Lean principle: meaningful operational improvement starts with people, engagement, and continuous improvement.

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

Manufacturers from across South Carolina joined this webinar to learn about practical resources available for strengthening supplier networks, increasing business visibility, and exploring government contracting opportunities. The session featured presentations from the SCMEP’s CONNEX platform, the South Carolina APEX Accelerator, and OpExChange members sharing real-world examples of how collaboration and relationship-building have strengthened their businesses. Topics included supply chain visibility, sourcing tools, government contracting support, benchmarking, peer networking, and the growing value of strategic manufacturing relationships across South Carolina.

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

Tuffaloy Products opened its doors for a deep dive into how real-time machine data, ERP integration, and a people-centered culture are transforming operations across their Greenville machining facility. During the visit, attendees saw firsthand how Tuffaloy connected machine monitoring with Epicor ERP to improve cycle time accuracy, reduce downtime, strengthen communication between departments, and provide machinists with better real-time support and visibility. The team also shared practical continuous improvement examples including automated bar feeders, digitally controlled gauges, workflow automation, visual shop floor management, and data-driven decision making. Perhaps most impactful was Tuffaloy’s emphasis on using technology not to create a culture of blame, but to build stronger communication, better training, and greater support for the people running the machines every day.

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.