Manufacturing

Industry 4.0 and what it means to you

The Upstate economy has made great strides coming out of the “Great Recession” thanks to a vibrant manufacturing base that calls our ten-county region home. As this large sector continue to hum along, one theme to watch for in 2016 is the idea of “Industry 4.0” within…


The Future of 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

In the 1960s Star Trek television program, crew members would head into the cafeteria and push a couple of buttons on a “replicator” and within seconds they would reach into the box and pull out their meal. This was great science fiction, but could it ever be…


Could South Carolina Be The Place?

It’s a valid question. It’s not too presumptuous to think. Why not? Could South Carolina be the home to the next supersonic commercial airplane? Perhaps this isn’t on anyone’s radar screen yet. For decades, there has been discussion of a new supersonic commercial airplane. During my Boeing…



State Leaders Offer Takeaway Comments On SCBIO Live 2015 From Charleston

SCBIO Live 2015 was held in Charleston Nov. 5-6 and included keynote speakers such as the Lead Director at Immucor Inc., William Hawkins III, President and CEO of Cipher Pharmaceuticals, Shawn Patrick O’Brien, the Senior Global Medical Director of Baxter Healthcare, Mark Delegge, MD., and many others….


Commercial Truck OEM Invests in Summerville Facility

The Lowcountry continues to attract automotive related capital investments. Alkane Truck Company, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of commercial trucks, is establishing new  manufacturing operations in Dorchester County.  According to the company, the new facility is expected to create more than 300 jobs in Summerville, S.C. “We…


Large Manufacturer Coming to Chester County

One of the country’s largest polyethylene film manufacturers will invest $100 million in a new Chester County facility, creating 300 new jobs. Poly-America will establish its South Carolina operations as Carolina Poly, Inc. With hiring expected to begin late next year, the company will operate a 475,000-square-foot…


Nupi Americas, Inc. Makes $4.9 Million Investment in Hampton County

Nupi Americas, Inc., a North American subsidiary of Nupi Industrie Italiane, S.p.A., is establishing warehousing and distribution operations in Hampton County. The $4.9 million investment is expected to create 37 new jobs over the next five years. “Nupi Americas has chosen South Carolina to develop its future…


Why the New Product Development (NPD) Process is Unique

Many senior managers including presidents and owners of companies large and small make a serious mistake. They assume that new product development (NPD) can be managed identical to every other business process. The implications can be disastrous for a company’s ability to innovate. New product development consists…