Events

October 24, 2023

Often called South Carolina’s “best-kept secret,” the Vocational Rehabilitation Department (VR) is a powerful workforce development and retention resource for employers across the state. During an OpExChange visit to VR’s West Columbia campus, participants gained new insight into a large, motivated talent pool and saw firsthand how disability does not limit ability. VR is helping businesses meet workforce needs while creating meaningful employment opportunities.

October 3, 2023

Schaeffler’s Fort Mill 1 facility demonstrated how digitalization, automation, and connectivity are being woven into daily manufacturing operations. Rather than treating digital tools as standalone initiatives, the team emphasized using digitalization as a practical extension of continuous improvement. From autonomous material handling and condition monitoring to real-time production visibility, the visit showcased how Schaeffler is turning data into actionable insight while improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

September 19, 2023

DeepHow and Beyond: AI Is Reshaping Workforce Training at Stanley Black & Decker During an OpExChange visit to Stanley Black & Decker’s Fort Mill facility, members explored how the site is using AI to capture tribal knowledge and strengthen workforce training amid ongoing skilled labor challenges. The team showcased DeepHow, a video-centric platform that preserves expert know-how and delivers standardized, multilingual training at the point of need. The visit reinforced how digital tools, when grounded in lean principles and people development, can drive safer, more consistent operations.

August 29, 2023

During an OpExChange visit to Timken’s Honea Path facility, members saw firsthand how leadership development and disciplined problem-solving shape the shop floor. The site’s Timken Manufacturing Operating System (TMOS) embeds safety, quality, and delivery into daily management through leader standard work, visual controls, and a robust andon response system. The visit reinforced a core lean principle: a strong operating system, led consistently by people, is what sustains culture and continuous improvement.

August 15, 2023

BMW Spartanburg hosted one of OpExChange’s marquee plant visits, welcoming 48 participants from 33 manufacturing and distribution companies across South Carolina. Attendees toured the highly automated body shop and engaged directly with BMW leaders on Lean Six Sigma and daily management. The visit offered rare insight into how a global OEM aligns people, technology, and systems to drive consistency, quality, and continuous improvement at scale.

August 8, 2023

This OpExChange session featured practical supply chain insights from Sunland Logistics Solutions, alongside SCMEP’s introduction of CONNEX SC. Amy Sartain of Sunland shared real-world logistics strategies manufacturers can apply immediately, from supplier identification to transportation and storage decisions. Together, the discussion highlighted how strong logistics partners and smart digital tools can strengthen South Carolina’s manufacturing ecosystem.

July 18, 2023

Michelin has developed a world-class maintenance training program focused on building critical technical skills and strengthening long-term workforce retention. Through a partnership with SCMEP and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, this “Talents for Manufacturing” program is now available to manufacturers across the state. Recently, OpExChange participants from twenty companies experienced the program firsthand through in-depth overviews and hands-on workshop tours at Michelin. The training emphasizes real-world scenarios, with nearly 75% of the time spent applying skills at the workbench. This practical approach equips maintenance professionals with the confidence and capability to perform when it matters most.

June 20, 2023

T&S Brass and Bronze Works has built its reputation on reliability—both in the products it delivers and the culture it sustains. During an OpExChange plant visit, participants gained insight into how respect, flexibility, and humanity are intentionally woven into daily operations, driving exceptional employee retention and engagement. Leaders shared how a family-oriented culture, reinforced over decades, empowers employees to take ownership of both quality and community. This people-first mindset is matched by rigorous quality systems, hands-on testing, and continuous investment in safety and automation. Together, these elements reflect a company where “Reliability Built In” is more than a tagline—it’s a lived experience.

June 6, 2023

Lean Manufacturing remains one of the most effective ways to improve productivity and profitability in U.S. manufacturing, yet most companies have yet to fully embrace it. In a record-attended OpExChange virtual session, Doug Berger of Industry Reimagined 2030 shared research showing that manufacturers who treat Lean as a people-centered, continuous improvement system achieve dramatically better results. The path forward is clear: make Lean practical, relevant, and focused on execution.

May 16, 2023

AFL Conductor Accessories showcased how practical analytics and a strong, people-centered culture can drive exceptional results during an OpExChange plant tour in Duncan. By leveraging Microsoft Power BI, the team achieved dramatic gains in on-time delivery, revenue growth, and operating profit—without significant capital investment. Just as impressive is their culture, reflected in world-class safety performance and employee retention. The visit highlighted how accessible data, empowered teams, and collaboration fuel sustained operational excellence.