Upcoming Events

June 23, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Building on the strong engagement and impact of the inaugural session, the OpExChange Plant Manager Exchange returns as a focused forum for manufacturing leaders to deepen collaboration and continue critical conversations. This confidential, peer-driven session brings together returning participants alongside a limited number of new plant managers, creating a dynamic environment for both continuity and fresh perspective. Moderated by Dale McClelland, Plant Manager at Timken – Union, the Exchange emphasizes practical dialogue over presentation—enabling leaders to benchmark ideas, challenge assumptions, and share proven approaches to common operational challenges. The session reinforces a core principle of OpExChange: meaningful improvement is accelerated when leaders learn directly from one another in a trusted, real-world setting.

June 24, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Allegiance Flag Supply will share how they used ChatGPT and production time-study data to rebalance work across an eight-station sewing line—achieving a 10–20% productivity improvement without additional capital investment. This webinar provides a practical look at how generative AI can support real manufacturing operations.

July 29, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Are utility costs cutting into your margins? Has your company been receiving more inquiries about sustainability performance? This half-day workshop will explore actionable steps to meet these increasing requirements in ways that are practical and relevant to your business. We’ll share strategies for smarter energy, water, and waste management, and guide you through calculating your Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

August 3, 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

🏌️‍♂️ Calling All OpExChange Members! Grab your clubs and get ready to hit the greens for a great cause! The OpExChange Charity Golf Tournament is happening at The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg, SC, and we’re teeing off to support local veterans, first responders, and their families through Upstate Warrior Solution.

August 11, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 PM

BorgWarner in Seneca will host a visit focused on automation and advanced manufacturing initiatives. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how the facility is utilizing automation and digital technologies to drive operational improvements while balancing people, process, and technology. Additional event details and enrollment information will be released soon.

August 25, 2026

Following strong engagement from the inaugural session, the HR Leader Exchange returns as a confidential, peer-driven forum built specifically for manufacturing HR leaders. Returning participants will continue conversations already underway, while a limited number of openings are available for new leaders to join the discussion. Focused on workforce challenges including leadership development, retention, engagement, and HR strategy, this session emphasizes practical dialogue, benchmarking, and peer collaboration rather than presentations. Join fellow manufacturing HR leaders and become part of the OpExChange Ripple Effect.

August 26, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll get no-nonsense, actionable insights on how to leverage generative AI tools securely and effectively. Learn what matters most to your business and prepare your company for the future... without the buzzwords. Walk away with practical workflows you can implement in months, not years.

September 9, 2026
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

In this hands-on, half-day workshop, you’ll learn how SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) helps manufacturers dramatically reduce equipment changeover times using a proven Lean approach. Through a blend of instruction, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to streamline changeovers, engage operators, improve safety and consistency, and respond faster to customer demand. You’ll leave with clear, practical strategies you can apply immediately on your plant floor – delivering measurable improvements in productivity and performance.

September 15, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

See how MacLean Power Systems is using SCADA data and a cost-effective Guidewheel system to drive continuous improvement and improve manufacturing efficiency—September 15 in York, SC.

September 23, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Hammer-IMS will share a real-world implementation of AI-driven quality inspection, showing how their team dramatically reduced programming time and automated complex defect detection. For OpExChange members eager to see practical examples of AI in manufacturing, this session will highlight lessons learned and insights from a successful integration.

October 5, 2026 @ 9:00 am — October 9, 2026 @ 4:00 pm

Go beyond the classroom with this rare, hands-on SMED Kaizen experience hosted at Bausch + Lomb in Greenville. Work directly inside a live manufacturing environment applying SMED principles to real processes while learning how to reduce changeover time, eliminate waste, and improve operational flexibility under the guidance of David Woods, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Walk away with practical experience, measurable results, actionable takeaways, and an SCMEP Certificate in the Application of SMED. Participation is limited to just 20 attendees.

October 6, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

One of the greatest benefits of MX.0 Southeast was not just the technology – it was the conversations and connections between manufacturing leaders. This October, SEW Eurodrive opens its Maxolution showroom for the MX.0 Maxolution Mixer, an after hours networking event designed for manufacturing professionals to connect, collaborate, and discuss advanced manufacturing, AI, workforce challenges, and operational excellence. Because sometimes the biggest ideas – and strongest connections – start with a conversation.

October 27, 2026

This visit to AFL in Dunan will focus on operational excellence, manufacturing growth, and continuous improvement within one of South Carolina’s leading advanced manufacturing organizations. Attendees will gain insight into capital equipment expansion, plant layout optimization, material flow improvements, and AFL’s Manufacturing Excellence Operating System - all while supporting rapidly growing markets tied to AI, broadband infrastructure, and hyperscale data centers.