Articles by SCMFG/Staff

The Argument for Annexation: Why Greenville Must Grow to Thrive

Greenville stands at a crossroads. The region has a metropolitan area of 928,195 residents, international businesses relocate major operations here, and downtown features world class amenities. Yet the city itself remains artificially constrained within 30 square miles, capturing just 13% of its own county’s population. Other South…


Learning to See at FN America

In early June, something remarkable happened in Columbia, South Carolina. FN America, one of the world’s premier firearm manufacturers, 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…


Sustainability Resource Guide for Manufacturers from SCMEP

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. A Strategic…


Does Greenville Really Want to Be on This List?

Greenville, South Carolina finds itself in peculiar company on HGTV’s list of “Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in the South”. The designation might seem flattering at first glance, but a closer examination reveals a fundamental disconnect between Greenville’s actual size and economic importance versus its placement alongside genuinely…


Carolina Handling Named A 2024 Modula Top Performer

Carolina Handling has been named a top performer by Modula Inc., a leading manufacturer of vertical lift modules and automated storage solutions, scoring a second-place finish in overall sales of Modula units during 2024. Additionally, the Charlotte, NC-based material handling systems integrator received a Gold Level certificate…


Bausch+Lomb’s Digital Evolution in Greenville

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP Bausch+Lomb’s Greenville, South Carolina facility – a diamond-level OpExChange member with over 21 years of participation in the group – recently hosted a plant visit for fellow members. The focus of this session was the remarkable digital evolution the site has…


Carolina Handling partners with McDowell, Spire Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway

A four-tire stop can be completed in under nine seconds, showcasing speed and teamwork from NASCAR’s top athletes. Likewise, Carolina Handling’s 1.1-hour average response time for breakdown calls outperforms the competition, highlighting its exceptional commitment to service and reliability. Carolina Handling, an industry leader in integrated material…



Driving Innovation and Excellence at TICO Manufacturing

By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP A Unique Manufacturer with Operational Insight On April 1, 2025, TICO Manufacturing in Ridgeland, South Carolina, 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…


Carolina Handling Named 2025 Raymond Dealer Of Distinction, Wins Diamond Elite Awards

For the 34th consecutive year, Carolina Handling has been named a Dealer of Distinction (DOD) by The Raymond Corporation, a global provider of best-in-class material handling equipment and intelligent intralogistics solutions. The DOD award recognizes the top performers among Raymond Solutions and Support Centers throughout North America….