Events

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.

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

The OpExChange thrives on success stories, driven by a collective "how-did-they-do-it" spirit. This thirst for knowledge fueled our 2024 plant visit to RX Industries (RXI) on Hilton Head Island. The visit brought together OpExChange peer manufacturers from across the state who sought not just inspiration from Tom's story and recommendations, but also the opportunity to offer their own insights.

January 23, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

The OpExChange conducted its inaugural plant visit of 2024 on January 23 at Sealevel Systems, located in Liberty, SC. Established in 1986, Sealevel has witnessed substantial growth in the past four years, with a nearly doubled sales figure, an expanded market share in critical communications industries, and the achievement of their largest-ever energy design contract.

December 12, 2023

OpExChange added 41 sites in 2023, reaching 191 members across SC, NC, and GA. The year featured 34 events, including site visits and workshops on analytics, Kaizen, and employee development. Awards recognized standout companies and individuals for engagement, collaboration, and promoting the OpExChange mission. The 2024 schedule is already underway with plant visits, workshops, and virtual sessions across the region.

December 4, 2023

Ingevity’s Charleston plant demonstrates how sustainability and safety can go hand in hand. During an OpExChange visit, members saw how the site converts industrial waste into valuable products while maintaining an exceptional safety record driven by strong engagement and accountability. It’s a powerful example of operational discipline in action.

November 14, 2023

Autokiniton’s Fountain Inn plant showcases one of the most highly automated operations OpExChange has visited to date—where robots outnumber associates on the shop floor. Designed to support BMW Spartanburg, the facility combines high-capacity stamping, robotic assembly, and smart material flow with a relentless focus on uptime and quality.