(GREENVILLE, SC)  – Manufacturing is thriving in the southeast and manufacturers are enjoying considerable growth in a host of industries, from petrochemicals and automotive to aerospace. SOUTH-TEC brings leaders and expertise to the region and welcomes the inaugural Women in Automotive (WiA) Southern Conference produced by Women in Manufacturing® (WiM).

SOUTH-TEC will take place Oct. 24-26 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina and will focus on the region’s manufacturing capability and opportunities. Produced by SME and AMT, the biennial event showcases the latest manufacturing technologies and provides access to industry experts sharing insights on fostering innovation, increasing productivity and improving profits.

Southeast manufacturing is booming 

SOUTH-TEC returns to South Carolina amid a manufacturing renaissance that includes the advanced manufacturing sector. The state ranks the lowest in the nation in annual operating costs for advanced manufacturing companies and expanding investment from abroad, notably in aerospace and automotive, has paced growth in many cities.

“Globally recognized companies are operating in South Carolina and are attracting similar companies and their suppliers,” said Cathy Kowalewicz, event manager, SME. “SOUTH-TEC provides the opportunity to engage these OEM’s and suppliers and identify solutions needed – from development to final production.” 

Women in the Workforce

Women in manufacturing are seeing positive changes in the industry’s attitude towards recruiting, retaining, and advancing women over the last five years, and greater improvement is possible. As of July 2017, 3.4 million women were employed in manufacturing, the highest level of women employed in manufacturing since April 2009. By co-locating the WiA Southern Conference with SOUTH-TEC, the events will bring together developmental opportunities for women, joining it with access to advanced manufacturing technology expertise and opportunity.

“American manufacturing is progressive and diverse, with high-tech and high-paying enterprises, where both men and women thrive,” said Kowalewicz. “Manufacturers can support collaborative workplaces that embrace inclusion and creative, forward-thinking professionals – and SOUTH-TEC can be a starting point.”

SOUTH-TEC features a show floor with over 366 companies represented in 271 exhibiting spaces, as well as in-depth workshops on key manufacturing topics. Complimentary technical presentations and keynotes are led by knowledge leaders from across the industry. To learn more about SOUTH-TEC, view full schedule and exhibit details or register, visit southteconline.com.

About SME

SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

AMT represents U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, VA, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. 

###

If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.