Events

February 17, 2026
12:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Harsco Rail opened its West Columbia facility to manufacturing peers across South Carolina for a candid look at what it takes to rebuild operational excellence in a complex, low-volume, high-mix environment. From stabilizing material flow and redefining daily accountability to aligning every initiative with measurable business impact, the message was clear: Lean is not a program. It is a path. What attendees saw was not a finished product — but a business deliberately, visibly, and methodically changing how work gets done.

February 10, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

OpExChange is launching a new event designed by plant managers, for plant managers. This Plant Manager Exchange will offer a confidential setting where leaders can share challenges, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that drive operational excellence. The session will be moderated by Dale McClelland, Plant Manager at Timken – Union. This isn’t a presentation – it’s an exchange of insight and experience among those leading the manufacturing teams.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

October 21, 2025
11:45 am - 3:45 pm

OpExChange members visited Northern Tool + Equipment’s Fort Mill distribution center to explore “Smart Distribution.” The tour showcased advanced automation—AutoStore and Packsize—paired with a people-first culture, long-tenured employees, and workforce development initiatives like Tools for the Trades™. NTE demonstrated that operational excellence thrives when technology and human talent work together.