Opexchange

10/06/2024

I was interviewed on "Let's Talk Manufacturing" recently to discuss the Opexchange in South Carolina:

"Let's Talk Manufacturing: is part of the "Let's Talk Business South Carolina" network of B2B talk shows. It is an audio podcast and a YouTube video series -...

01/18/2024

I had the honor of being interviewed by Mike Ungar and Mike Yost from the Industry 4.0 Club, thanks to CESMII, the Smart Manufacturing Institute. The OpExChange has experienced remarkable growth, exceeding 80% in the past few years and showing no signs of slowing down! If you are a manufacturer or distributor in South Carolina and would like to learn more about the OpExChange, visit www.OpExChange.com or email me at [email protected].

10/19/2023

06/05/2023

Our recent visit to SixAxis in Andrews, SC demonstrated their remarkable Lean transformation achieved in under two years, leading to significant and transformative outcomes. Thank you to the team at SixAxis for generously sharing their valuable experience with the OpExChange.
SafeRack
The article featured in South Carolina Manufacturing magazine provides a deeper dive into their results.

Many manufacturers still question the effectiveness of lean manufacturing and whether it brings tangible benefits to a company’s bottom and top lines. However, during a recent OpExChange plant tour hosted by SixAxis in Andrews, SC on May 16th, 2023, these doubts were addressed. The primary focus o...

05/31/2023

We had an incredible experience during this recent OpExChange visit, making it one of the most memorable in years. Not only did we have the opportunity to visit a remarkable plant, but we also attended a highly beneficial workshop on a tool that has proven to be financially advantageous for the hosting company. The OpExChange members left with actionable plans for follow-up and implementation. For more details, take a look at the article featured in South Carolina Manufacturing. We extend our gratitude to AFL Conductor Accessories for hosting the visit and to Gemba Systems for conducting the informative workshop.
AFL: We connect.
Mike Demos

The OpExChange plant tour in Duncan on May 9, 2023, was anything but ordinary. Not only did members witness firsthand how AFL Conductor Accessories has skyrocketed on-time delivery and sales with very little capital investment, but they also had the privilege of being taught how to do...

04/05/2023

Five Generations at Work - OpExChange Workshop

Fantastic four - hour workshop for OpExChange members
on the five generations at work from Dr. Rebecca-Battle Bryant, courtesy of the SCMEP. Thank you to the lively participation from peers from Adidas, Apex Tool Group, BOMAG, Fiber Industries, FN America, Graphic Packaging International, McAlister Design, Sleep Number, The SEFA Group, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce! Thanks also to The SEFA Group for hosting at their
luxorious training center!

This workshop will be offered again on July 25th in Summerville at no cost to OpExChange members. Rebecca Battle-Bryant

03/28/2023

The OpExChange plant visit earlier this month was a special one at ZF Transmissions. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette joined us and was able to see how our OpExChange companies collaborate. The new ZF products are amazing and are paving the way for e-Mobility growth in the state. I am so proud of South Carolina manufacturing!!! Thank you to the ZF team for hosting and the Lieutenant Governor for participating!
Mike Demos

ZF Transmissions Gray Court has been on a progressive trajectory of growth since operations began in 2013 with the production of 8-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions. As the electrical vehicle market rapidly develops, ZF’s growth is poised to catapult even further. They are already the lead...

02/14/2023

Here are a few photos from the Boeing presentation. (Due to security issues, photo/video was not permitted of their operations).

02/14/2023

Boeing South Carolina (BSC) established a sizable presence in South Carolina in 2010 and has been “building the dream” in the state for the past twelve years. The company established final assembly operations of the Dreamliner 787 wide-body jet airliner in North Charleston and established a driv...

02/14/2023

Boeing South Carolina provided a "Dream" plant tour for the last week in North Charleston! Thank you to Frank Hatten for taking the time to share. Thanks also to the 40 people that participated from 26 manufacturing companies across South Carolina!

Boeing South Carolina (BSC) established a sizable presence in South Carolina in 2010 and has been “building the dream” in the state for the past twelve years. The company established final assembly operations of the Dreamliner 787 wide-body jet airliner in North Charleston and established a driv...

01/03/2023

Congratulations to those OpExChange companies and individuals for receiving the 2022 OpExChange recognitions!

Dantherm Cooling - Gieselmann Collaboration Award
BOMAG - Most Engaged Company Award
Starbucks Roasting Plant - Employee Development Award
Andrew Klein w/ Autokiniton - Most Engaged Individual Award

https://www.southcarolinamanufacturing.com/opexchange-2022-review-and-awards/

Dantherm Cooling, Inc.
Mike Demos

The annual year-end review and awards ceremony for the OpExChange was held in early December. Mike Demos, coordinator for this collaborative group of manufacturers in South Carolina, led this virtual event with participating companies from across the state. Mike began this session by announcing that...

12/31/2022

OpExChange companies were able to see some impressive robotics and high speed automation in the last plant visit for 2022. Campbells Snacks has an impressive history in producing high quality snack foods and nurturing a culture that embraces change and improvements. Thank you to John Chandler and his team for hosting this 3-hour plant visit!
https://www.southcarolinamanufacturing.com/automation-and-robotics-at-campbells-snacks-bakery/
Mike Demos

The last OpExChange plant visit of 2022 definitely did not disappoint the attendees from across South Carolina. This was held at Campbell’s Snacks just over the border in Charlotte, NC. Not only were the participants able to sample some of the most popular snack foods in the...