Events

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.

October 31, 2023

Sumter Packaging showcased its latest Manufacturing 4.0 investment during a recent OpExChange plant visit, demonstrating how advanced automation is elevating quality, efficiency, and flexibility. The new Göpfert High Board Line delivers 100% inspection, faster changeovers, and world-class print quality—reinforcing Sumter Packaging’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer excellence.

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.