From Prototype to Plant Floor: SiMT's Prototype + Advanced Manufacturing
About this Event
2026 Event Series: From Prototype to Plant Floor
Part 2:
Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SiMT) Prototypes, Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare Innovation - September 23rd with DeGen Medical, GE Healthcare and the Zucker Institute at MUSC.
InnoVision is proud to announce Part 2 of our From Prototype to Plant Floor series — an exclusive tour of SiMT, the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology, on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Before a medical device enters a clinical trial, before a component ships to an aerospace customer: it starts as an idea that needs to become an object.
SiMT is a state-of-the-art industrial 3D printing center with a fully integrated machine shop: one of the most capable rapid prototyping facilities in the Southeast. SiMT the kind of facility where a concept becomes a physical object, where a sketch becomes something you can hold in your hand. It's where engineers stress-test ideas before they go to the plant floor, where manufacturers solve problems before they become expensive mistakes, and where early-stage companies prototype the products that could define their future.
Their approach combines close-proximity responsiveness, reduced lead times, design alternatives that eliminate errors before production, post-processing machining capabilities, and optimized designs that save clients time and money.
SiMT’s precision manufacturing at the earliest, most critical stage of the innovation lifecycle has been earning national recognition since the day it opened, including Xometry's Excellence in Manufacturing Award every consecutive year since 2018: eight straight years of recognition for exceptional workmanship, quality standards, and on-time delivery. In that time, they've completed more than 1,400 jobs for Xometry alone, serving clients across aerospace, automotive, medical device, and industrial manufacturing sectors nationwide.
Join us for a Tour of SiMT and a panel discussion of Healthcare Innovation in South Carolina with DeGen Medical, GE Healthcare and the Zucker Institute at MUSC, facilitated by Will McLeod, McLeod Hospital CEO and FDTC Foundation Board Chair.
On Wednesday, September 23rd, InnoVision invites a select group of members and guests for an exclusive guided tour of SiMT and the adjacent Gould Business Incubator, where the next generation of Pee Dee-area companies is being launched.
What to Expect:
An InnoVision Forum Panel Discussion facilitated by Will McLeod, McLeod Hospital CEO and FDTC Foundation Board Chair, with DeGen Medical, GE Healthcare and the Zucker Institute at MUSC - as well as a guided tour of SiMT's industrial 3D printing floor and integrated machine shop. Attendees will see the prototyping process firsthand, from digital design to finished physical part, learn how SiMT supports manufacturers at every stage of product development and connect with fellow makers.
Agenda:
4:30 – 5:30 Tour SIMT, move to Conference Center
5:30 - 6:30 Panel:
DeGen Medical – Andy Bernhardt, VP Engineering
GE Healthcare - Christian Stone, Lead Mechanical Engineer - GE HealthCare
MUSC-Florence – Jesse Flynn, Biomechanical Engineer, Licensing Manager, Medical Device Technologies
Panel Facilitator: Will McLeod, McLeod Hospital CEO and FDTC Foundation Board Chair
Q&A, Upcoming events
Networking
Who Should Attend:
This event is designed for professionals working in or curious about:
🖨️ Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping
🔩 Advanced manufacturing, machining, and industrial engineering
⚗️ R&D, applied research, and new product development
🌱 Sustainability and materials science
🚀 Early-stage startups and entrepreneurs exploring manufacturing pathways
📐 Engineers, designers, and product developers at any stage
Whether you're a seasoned manufacturer wanting to understand the front end of the innovation pipeline, or an early-stage innovator trying to understand how to get from concept to product, this tour was designed for you.
When, Where, What to Wear:
📍 SiMT — Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology Florence-Darlington Technical College · Florence, SC
📅 Wednesday, September 23rd 🕐 4:30 – 6:30 PM
👟 Closed-toe, comfortable shoes recommended. High heels not advised for the plant tour. Comfortable, work-appropriate attire recommended.
🎟️ Space is limited. Register early!
About the From Prototype to Plant Floor series
This event is Part 2 of InnoVision's From Prototype to Plant Floor series: a journey through South Carolina's manufacturing innovation ecosystem.
We were in Anderson, SC for Part 1 in August, touring Michelin US10, and seeing innovation at full industrial scale.
You are here >>> Part 2 — September 23: SiMT, Florence
Prototype: SiMT: a state-of-the-art 3D printing and rapid prototyping facility where ideas become physical objects for the first time + Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare Innovation
For Part 3 we'll be in Rock Hill at Winthrop University, October 14th:
Prototype to Plant Floor: From Invention to Industry with Carolina Tech Founders, Dennis Hayes and Hear2There at Winthrop University
About SiMT
About SiMT and the Gould Business Incubator
The SIMT is an industrial 3D printing center with a fully integrated machine shop, located in Florence, SC. Our mission is to support manufacturing in the region by demonstrating exceptional commitment to quality, responsiveness, professionalism and timeliness. We offer close proximity, reduced lead time, design alternatives to eliminate mistakes, post-processing machining capabilities and optimized designs to make you more efficient, saving time and money. SiMT Event Services provides meeting and event expertise to businesses of every size, every day! Whether you are hosting a conference, board meeting, training class, or anything in between, our facilities house everything in a modern and comfortable setting. The Gould Business Incubator (GBI), adjacent to the SiMT, was established to help ensure the success of new business ventures in the Florence-Darlington area. We offer an affordable, supportive launch platform for first and second stage companies by providing flexible, multi-use offices, coworking spaces, and multi-use bays from 540-990 sq. ft., as well as other office and support amenities. simt.sc.gov
About InnoVision
InnoVision
InnoVision is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting outstanding achievements in technology, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1999, InnoVision fosters a culture of collaboration and advancement by showcasing individuals, companies, and institutions whose work is shaping the future of South Carolina’s innovative economy.
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Please be advised that by participating in InnoVision events, you are automatically authorizing InnoVision agents or assigns to use your photograph, company’s brand or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of InnoVision, including but not limited to publicity, marketing, websites, other electronic forms of media, and promotion of both InnoVision and innovation in South Carolina.
Where is it happening?
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