Celebrating 10 Years of Purpose and Precision: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in Summerville, South Carolina
For the past decade, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s Summerville, South Carolina facility has proven that talent, innovation, and determination know no boundaries. What began as a bold vision in 2016 has grown into a thriving manufacturing operation supporting the aerospace industry while creating meaningful careers for people who are blind and visually impaired.
As the Summerville facility celebrates its 10th anniversary, the focus is not only on production milestones and aerospace excellence, but on the people whose skill, resilience, and teamwork power the operation every day.
Building Aerospace Excellence in South Carolina
Located in the heart of South Carolina’s growing aerospace corridor, the Summerville facility specializes in precision machining, aerospace component manufacturing, and military product assembly. The site was strategically established to support the aerospace sector and has become an integral part of a high-performing manufacturing network. From CNC machining to detailed inspection work, employees manufacture aerospace parts that meet rigorous industry standards. The facility’s work contributes to commercial and defense aerospace supply chains, reinforcing The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s longstanding reputation for quality manufacturing.
Today, the Summerville team continues to demonstrate that accessible manufacturing environments create opportunities for people who are blind while delivering world-class results to customers.
A Workplace Powered by People
What truly sets the Summerville facility apart is its people. Eighty-nine percent of employees at the location are blind or visually impaired, and each team member brings unique skills, adaptability, and pride to their work. Through accessible technology, adaptive equipment, and a culture of inclusion, employees are empowered to excel in highly technical manufacturing roles.
For Sharon Dunbar, a production worker and machinist who has spent nearly the entire decade at the facility, the work is about much more than manufacturing parts. “Working with people who understand your challenges, encouraging each other — it gives you a real sense of purpose,” Sharon shared.
Sharon operates CNC machines, sewing equipment, and specialized production tools used to create aerospace components and military products. Her ability to multitask across departments reflects the collaborative spirit that defines the Summerville team. “We’re a small team, so we each wear many hats,” Sharon explained.
That versatility has helped the facility continue growing over the past decade, expanding both its capabilities and career opportunities.
Expanding Careers Through Advanced Manufacturing
Over the years, the Summerville operation has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing technology, including accessible Okuma CNC machines designed for machinists who are blind or DeafBlind.
These investments have opened doors for employees to learn specialized machining skills while supporting the aerospace industry’s demand for precision manufacturing.
Roosevelt Stevenson, a long-time production lead who helped train employees on new CNC equipment, emphasized how important those opportunities are. “It brings people in and shows them there’s opportunity out there for us, for people who are blind,” Roosevelt said.
Employees at the facility now produce a wider variety of aerospace parts while continuing work on military equipment and specialized assemblies. The combination of advanced technology and accessible workplace design allows employees to thrive in careers traditionally considered out of reach for people with vision loss.
Manufacturing With Pride and Purpose
The Summerville facility represents more than manufacturing success — it represents independence, dignity, and economic opportunity.
For many employees, working at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has provided stable careers, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to meaningful work that supports aerospace and defense customers nationwide.
The organization’s manufacturing operations consistently achieve exceptional quality and on-time delivery performance while employing machinists and production workers who are blind and visually impaired.
That commitment to excellence has helped establish The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as a trusted aerospace manufacturing partner while advancing its mission of empowering people through sustainable employment.
Looking Ahead to the Next Decade
As the Summerville facility celebrates 10 years of impact, the team is focused on continued growth, innovation, and opportunity.
The past decade has shown what’s possible when accessibility and advanced manufacturing come together. Employees who are blind and visually impaired are not only participating in the aerospace industry — they are helping lead it. From machining aerospace components to assembling military products, the people of Summerville continue to demonstrate that ability is far greater than disability.
Their work matters. Their contributions matter. And after 10 years, their impact continues to grow.
For the past decade, Summerville SC aerospace manufacturing at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has demonstrated how accessible workplaces can support both employees and the aerospace industry.
