SCMA is the manufacturing industry's association in South Carolina, serving as its government liaison. The Alliance also provides educational forums through committee and division conferences. SCMA maintains constant contact with state government agencies, the South Carolina General Assembly, educational institutions, and the media.

SCMA annually elects a chairman, first vice chairman and second vice chairman. These are industry executives and serve without pay. The management and control of the Alliance and its affairs are vested in a board of directors. Directors are elected from the SCMA membership and are persons who currently exercise an active executive function in a member company.