By Lydia Dishman
SCBIZ Daily Contributing Writer

COLUMBIA -- Lean times call for lean innovation to increase the bottom line. Enter Chris Wayne. The former Senior Engineer for Kemet Electronics in Simpsonville will be putting his expertise in high-impact research and development to work for businesses statewide.

As the newly-appointed Lean Innovation Manager for the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), Wayne will help small- to mid-sized companies in South Carolina achieve significant top-line growth through developing new products and services.

The SCMEP, headquartered in Columbia, is a nonprofit organization that helps manufacturers solve business and supply chain process problems. Its Growth Services department focuses on boosting innovation and has increased product portfolios by 15-%, reduced project cycle time by 50%, and increased project on-time delivery to more than 90%.

“Chris Wayne was the ideal candidate,” said Chuck Spangler, vice president of SCMEP, adding that “he is the perfect person to grow the program and really expand it across the state.” 

In addition to his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Wayne has extensive experience developing both products and processes for manufacturers such as Reeves Brothers, Inc. in Spartanburg; Datasouth Computer Corporation in Charlotte, N.C.; and Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company in Stanley, N.C.

After completing a “Competitiveness Review,” businesses work with a designated agent at SCMEP such as Wayne, who can make effective recommendations for improvement. “We can expose them to a new customer base, suggest internal culture updates, offer training sessions and help with product development and manufacturing processes. It is like having a world-class business consultant,” he said.

Wayne touted Eureka Winning Ways, offered exclusively through the MEP network, as a great tool for growth. “This program helps companies identify great ideas, develop them into concepts that customers get excited about and bring them into production.” Citing a lack of due diligence and inefficient production processes, Wayne says successful new product launches are at an all-time low. “With Eureka Winning Ways, there is a 97 percent success rate,” he asserted.

Several Upstate manufacturing companies specializing in forestry and aluminum extrusion, have already taken advantage of this program. Advance SC has made funding grants available through the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “An agent will continue to work with you until you have ideas worth pursuing. That is a double guarantee.” said Wayne.

The potential for economic development is substantial. Spangler noted, “80 percent of companies in South Carolina have 100 employees or less. That is who we want to help, as it offers the most growth opportunity for the state.”

Wayne said, “I would like for SCMEP to be the first one they call when they want help to grow their businesses.”