Events

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.

Past

MacLean Power Systems: Turning Machine Data into Continuous Improvement

MacLean Power Systems | York

September 15, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

See how MacLean Power Systems is turning machine and SCADA data into meaningful action. This plant visit will explore how data is being used to identify losses, strengthen problem solving, and drive continuous improvement in OEE, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.

Past

Speed to Success With SMED

Life Cycle Engineering | North Charleston

September 9, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

In this hands-on, half-day workshop, you’ll learn how SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) helps manufacturers dramatically reduce equipment changeover times using a proven Lean approach. Through a blend of instruction, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to streamline changeovers, engage operators, improve safety and consistency, and respond faster to customer demand. You’ll leave with clear, practical strategies you can apply immediately on your plant floor – delivering measurable improvements in productivity and performance.

Past

GenAI for Manufacturing

SCMEP Greenville | Greenville

August 26, 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.

Past

HR Leadership ExChange # 2

Heidelberg Materials Training Center | Lexington

August 25, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Twenty HR leaders from across South Carolina came together for the OpExChange’s second HR Leader ExChange, a highly interactive morning focused on the workforce challenges manufacturers are facing every day. Through facilitated discussions and peer sharing, participants explored Lean HR, recruiting and retention, frontline leadership, onboarding, HR technology and leading through change. The recap also captures 24 practical takeaways, ideas and resources shared by participants – making it a useful reference for HR and manufacturing leaders whether you attended the ExChange or not.

Past

BorgWarner Seneca – Automation & Advanced Manufacturing

BorgWarner | Seneca

August 11, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thirty OpExChange members representing 22 organizations joined us for one of our most anticipated plant visits of the year at BorgWarner Seneca. Members saw how the facility is combining technologies such as predictive maintenance, digital training, data analytics and automation with the fundamentals of Operational Excellence.

Past

OpExChange 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

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.

Past

Sustainability: Smart Resource Management and Calculating Your Carbon Footprint

SCMEP Greenville | Greenville

July 29, 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.

Past

Allegiance Flag Supply Demonstrates How Manufacturers Can Use AI to Improve Productivity

Teams Meeting | Virtual

June 23, 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.

Past

Plant Manager ExChange – Round Two

Heidelberg Materials Training Center | Lexington

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.

Past

Otis Elevator – Advancing Smart Manufacturing in South Carolina

Otis Elevator | Florence

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.