Events

August 19, 2025 @ 12:45 pm — August 19 @ 4:00 pm

The August visit to BMW Spartanburg offered a powerful look inside Assembly Hall 52, where automation, digital twins, and AI are transforming automotive production. Guided by Brad Stone and BMW’s Innovation team, attendees saw how advanced robotics, data-driven decision-making, and human-centered ergonomics come together. The experience showcased BMW’s vision for the factory of the future—and practical ideas for today.

August 5, 2025 @ 1:00 pm — August 5 @ 5:00 pm

In the nearly 24-year history of the OpExChange, no plant tour has been larger than the recent visit to SEW-Eurodrive’s Lyman, South Carolina campus. More than one hundred guests from forty-seven organizations, representing 17 counties, gathered to experience one of the more advanced manufacturing operations in the Southeast.

July 15, 2025 @ 12:00 pm — July 15 @ 3:45 pm

In the quiet town of Bamberg, South Carolina, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing stands as a shining example of American manufacturing resilience. A fourth-generation, family-owned company with roots dating back to 1907, Phoenix was recently honored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a Hero of American Manufacturing. This well-deserved recognition celebrates not only their innovative spirit and operational excellence but also their unwavering commitment to their employees, their community, and the advancement of U.S. industry.

June 26, 2025 @ 1:00 pm — June 26 @ 3:45 pm

IFA’s Summerville plant is transforming to meet the rapid shifts in the automotive industry. During a recent site visit, guests saw how the team is investing $40 million in advanced automation, expanding half-shaft production, and strengthening problem-solving systems. From fully automated assembly lines to skilled workforce development, IFA is redefining modern automotive manufacturing in South Carolina.

June 18, 2025 @ 10:30 am — June 18 @ 11:30 am

The OpExChange community gathered virtually for a webinar introducing a valuable new tool designed to help manufacturers navigate the increasingly complex world of sustainability. This event spotlighted the recently launched Sustainability Resource Guide – a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference developed specifically for small and mid-sized manufacturers.

June 2, 2025 @ 7:00 am — June 5 @ 3:30 pm

In early June, something remarkable happened in Columbia, South Carolina. FN America opened its doors not just for a typical plant tour – but for a first-of-its-kind, multi-day Kaizen event hosted through the OpExChange. It marked an exciting new chapter for this South Carolina manufacturing network that, for the past twenty-three years, has connected peer manufacturers to share best practices, benchmark operations, and help drive continuous improvement.

May 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm — May 6 @ 3:45 pm

The OpExChange community had the privilege of touring one of the most advanced manufacturing sites in the flooring industry last week, as Shaw Industries welcomed us to their Aiken, South Carolina plant – known internally as Plant 78. What we witnessed was not just a testament to operational excellence, but a glimpse into the future of manufacturing in South Carolina and beyond.

April 15, 2025 @ 12:45 pm — April 15 @ 3:45 pm

Bausch + Lomb’s Greenville facility showcased its impressive digital transformation journey, revealing how modern tools are boosting performance in a highly regulated, high-volume environment. Visitors saw real-time inventory tracking, predictive maintenance, digital validation, advanced vision inspection, and Power BI–driven performance management. The site’s measurable gains in uptime, yield, and efficiency highlight how digital innovation and strong culture can drive sustainable operational excellence.

April 1, 2025 @ 11:30 am — April 1 @ 3:00 pm

In April, TICO Manufacturing opened its doors to the OpExChange network for a powerful benchmarking event. TICO (Terminal Investment Corporation), headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, is a leading manufacturer of terminal tractors—commonly referred to as yard trucks or spotters. What sets TICO apart is its unique dual role as both a manufacturer and operator of these vehicles, giving it a practical understanding of what makes equipment reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.

March 20, 2025 @ 12:00 pm — March 20 @ 3:30 pm

OpExChange members explored Atlas Copco’s Rock Hill facility, gaining insight into advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and cutting-edge automation. The tour highlighted medical gas system production, lean practices, VR training, and drone-based warehouse scanning. With strong engagement, sustainability leadership, and a culture that values diversity, Atlas Copco delivered an impressive first hosting event that set a new benchmark for excellence.