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.
Phoenix Speciality | Bamberg
July 15, 2025
12:00 pm - 3:45 pm
In the quiet town of Bamberg, South Carolina, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing stands as a shining example of American manufacturing resilience. A fourth-generation, family-owned company with roots dating back to 1907, Phoenix was recently honored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a Hero of American Manufacturing.
IFA-Rotorion | Summerville
June 26, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
IFA’s Summerville plant is transforming to meet the rapid shifts in the automotive industry. During a recent site visit, guests saw how the team is investing $40 million in advanced automation, expanding half-shaft production, and strengthening problem-solving systems. From fully automated assembly lines to skilled workforce development, IFA is redefining modern automotive manufacturing in South Carolina.
SCMEP | Virtual
June 18, 2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am
The OpExChange community gathered virtually for a webinar introducing a valuable new tool designed to help manufacturers navigate the increasingly complex world of sustainability. This event spotlighted the recently launched Sustainability Resource Guide – a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference developed specifically for small and mid-sized manufacturers.
FN America | Columbia
June 2, 2025 @ 7:00 am — June 5, 2025 @ 3:30 pm
In early June, something remarkable happened in Columbia, South Carolina. FN America opened its doors not just for a typical plant tour – but for a first-of-its-kind, multi-day Kaizen event hosted through the OpExChange. It marked an exciting new chapter for this South Carolina manufacturing network that, for the past twenty-three years, has connected peer manufacturers to share best practices, benchmark operations, and help drive continuous improvement.
Shaw Industries | Aiken
May 6, 2025
12:00 pm - 3:45 pm
The OpExChange community had the privilege of touring one of the most advanced manufacturing sites in the flooring industry last week, as Shaw Industries welcomed us to their Aiken, South Carolina plant – known internally as Plant 78. What we witnessed was not just a testament to operational excellence, but a glimpse into the future of manufacturing in South Carolina and beyond.
Bausch + Lomb | Greenville
April 15, 2025
12:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Bausch + Lomb’s Greenville facility showcased its impressive digital transformation journey, revealing how modern tools are boosting performance in a highly regulated, high-volume environment. Visitors saw real-time inventory tracking, predictive maintenance, digital validation, advanced vision inspection, and Power BI–driven performance management. The site’s measurable gains in uptime, yield, and efficiency highlight how digital innovation and strong culture can drive sustainable operational excellence.
TICO | Ridgeland
April 1, 2025
11:30 am - 3:00 pm
In April, TICO Manufacturing opened its doors to the OpExChange network for a powerful benchmarking event. TICO (Terminal Investment Corporation), headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, is a leading manufacturer of terminal tractors—commonly referred to as yard trucks or spotters. What sets TICO apart is its unique dual role as both a manufacturer and operator of these vehicles, giving it a practical understanding of what makes equipment reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.
Atlas Copco | Rock Hill
March 20, 2025
12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
OpExChange members explored Atlas Copco’s Rock Hill facility, gaining insight into advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and cutting-edge automation. The tour highlighted medical gas system production, lean practices, VR training, and drone-based warehouse scanning. With strong engagement, sustainability leadership, and a culture that values diversity, Atlas Copco delivered an impressive first hosting event that set a new benchmark for excellence.
FujiFilm | Greenwood
February 18, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
In February, FujiFilm’s Greenwood, SC facility opened its doors for the first time to the OpExChange, welcoming 21 companies from eleven counties in South Carolina and one from North Carolina. The visit provided an in-depth look at FujiFilm’s transformation from a traditional film photography company to a diversified technology leader. With a sharp focus on lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 integration, FujiFilm highlighted how continuous improvement has kept them at the forefront of their industry.
Advanced Process Optimization | Virtual
January 22, 2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am
In January, Jason Merschat, founder of Advanced Process Automation, led a thought-provoking webinar on the use of simulation to create effective Digital Twins for manufacturing operations. Jason, who partners with SCMEP to teach Lean Six Sigma classes and provide consulting services to manufacturers, shared his expertise in leveraging simulation techniques alongside Lean Six Sigma principles, positioning this approach as the next evolution of Lean Six Sigma.