Events

July 16, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Dish Network’s Spartanburg facility showcases how a strong lean culture can drive transformation. The 317,000-square-foot plant has shifted from high-volume operations to producing custom 5G cabinet enclosures and now complex cable and wire-harness assemblies. With an experienced team and a “Do It SomeHow!” mindset, the site blends engineering expertise with practical lean tools, from visual operations to hands-on simulations for every new hire. Their first external harness project highlights how this culture of innovation and continuous improvement is opening new opportunities for the Spartanburg team.

June 27, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This webinar explored the vast potential of E-learning in today's manufacturing landscape. We were fortunate to have Adrienne Temple, Vice President of Training Programs for the South Carolina Manufacturers' Extension Partnership (SCMEP), and Greg Surtman, Workforce Development Manager of Tooling U-SME, share their valuable insights. There were 131 participants from 68 companies from 25 counties in South Carolina.

June 4, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Mactac’s Moore, SC facility showcased an impressive blend of automation, continuous improvement, and team-driven problem solving during their first OpExChange plant visit. Over the past two years, the site has transformed operations through proactive maintenance, laser-guided vehicles, a fully automated Ferretto warehouse, and a strong focus on waste reduction. Their shift from reactive to preventive maintenance, supported by Power BI analytics, has boosted uptime and efficiency, while waste levels have dropped dramatically. Most notable was the culture: a leadership team empowering talent, engaging employees, and embracing lean principles.

May 21, 2024
12:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Honda South Carolina Manufacturing welcomed the OpExChange for its first plant visit, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s leading Honda side-by-side production facility. The Timmonsville plant—now 840,000 square feet and over 1,000 associates strong—showcased its award-winning manufacturing of the Honda Talon and its shift to advanced AGV and AGC technology. Visitors toured the high-speed assembly line, saw smart carts in action, and learned how Honda’s blend of innovation, ergonomics, and continuous improvement keeps production running at impressive efficiency.

May 7, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Rolls-Royce’s Aiken facility showcases precision, innovation, and sustainability in engine manufacturing. Visitors to the OpExChange tour saw advanced machining, assembly, predictive analytics, and the new Remanufacturing & Overhaul Center, supporting a circular economy. The plant features a solar-powered microgrid, strong safety programs, and a nationally recognized high school apprenticeship, reflecting Rolls-Royce’s commitment to people, technology, and delivering “power that matters to everyone.”

April 30, 2024
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sargent Metal Fabricators in Anderson, SC showcased how a family-owned company can blend cutting-edge automation with deeply rooted values. Nearing its 50-year milestone, Sargent has transformed from a small sheet-metal shop into a highly advanced, 160,000-square-foot operation powered by robotic bending cells, fiber-laser cutting, modern welding technology, and in-house powder coating. During the OpExChange visit, guests saw firsthand how innovation, continuous investment, and a commitment to people have positioned Sargent Metal as a leader in precision fabrication. Their message was clear: automation isn’t just their future—it’s in their DNA.

April 9, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

BW Flexible Systems in Duncan offered a powerful look at what happens when a manufacturing organization truly puts people first. Guests saw how the company’s culture—rooted in Barry-Wehmiller’s “Everybody Matters” philosophy—drives both leadership development and daily operations. From their no-layoff commitment and employee “University” to a growing tiered lean reporting system, the site demonstrates how caring for people and pursuing performance can work in harmony.

March 26, 2024
10:30 am - 12:00 pm

This virtual event showcased how Matterport Scanning brings affordable digital twin technology to manufacturers of all sizes. David Woods of SCMEP demonstrated how quick 3D facility scans can streamline layout improvements, support relocations, and enhance training and maintenance. This simple, cost-effective tool gives teams clearer insight into their operations and faster paths to efficiency.

March 5, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

The OpExChange visit to Starbucks’ Sandy Run Roasting Plant highlighted a world-class operation grounded in people, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. Producing over 70 million pounds of coffee each year, the site combines a unique cellular layout with a strong CI culture built on 5S, daily management, and hands-on A3 problem solving. Partners shared tangible wins—including major downtime reductions—and the team’s enthusiasm for learning was unmistakable. Though their CI journey is still young, Sandy Run is already setting the pace in safety, quality, and performance across the Starbucks network.

February 20, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

In mid-February, the OpExChange peer networking group paid a visit to Current Lighting, located in Hendersonville, NC, a member of the OpExChange for 16 years. A total of forty-four peers from twenty-nine companies participated in the plant tour and collaborative discussions.