SOUTH-TEC's Showfloor Expands to Accommodate Growing Demand

September 28, 2013

SME’s manufacturing show, SOUTH-TEC, has expanded its showfloor to accommodate demand for more exhibit space at its Oct. 29-31 expo in Greenville, S.C.

More than 300 companies will exhibit on the SOUTH-TEC floor at the TD Center and approximately 4,000 attendees are expected, according to SME officials.

"SME SOUTH-TEC will provide attendees thousands of square feet of opportunity, bursting with a full spectrum of knowledge, innovation, training and learning," said Dennis Bray, CEO of Contour Precision Group, LLC of Clover, S.C., and president of SME.

He added, "Experts on manufacturing technology will share knowledge about advanced techniques, productivity, new technologies and skilled workforce to representatives of industry, innovation, government and education."

A few of the sessions on tap are listed here:

Dr. Gary Green, president of Forsyth Technical College in Winston-Salem, N.C.,will lead a discussion of the importance of a strong network among industry, educators, government, and community colleges to address the critical need to "up-skill" current and future workers in the manufacturing industry, preparing them for high-tech manufacturing jobs. Jeff Hunt, Spartanburg Community College, Susan Pretulak, ReadySC and Pam Howze from Siemens will be among the panelists.

A panel, moderated by Bill Donohue of GENEDGE Alliance (part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership), will address optimizing global supply chain performance. Guillaume Giroudon of Volvo Group Truck Operations, Bryan Dods of GE Power and Water and Barry Bell from Mahle Group will share how their companies are synchronizing their supply and value chains to create more dynamic overall performance.

Paddy Fleming, defense manufacturing specialist from MilTECH, provides an overview of contractor qualifications required by the Department of Defense. Also covered is how SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) can help fund product development work within your company.

South Carolina U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham sees this year’s SOUTH-TEC as recognition of the burgeoning strength of manufacturing in the region, according to show officials.

"The Southeast - and South Carolina specifically - is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing regions in the United States. We are proud SME SOUTH-TEC has recognized this by choosing Greenville to showcase manufacturing progress and technology innovation," Sen. Graham said.

He added, "Greenville, and the surrounding areas, are distinctive in their advanced manufacturing leadership that benefits countries across the globe through trade and raises per-capita income in South Carolina."

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.