Mead Metals Customer Feature: KMC Manufacturing

Back in 1998, KMC Manufacturing was looking for a metal service center and supply company that could support their needs and help them with some of their more niche requests. 

Specifically, they were looking for a materials vendor that could supply them with a variety of metals in small quantities. Their existing vendors dealt in large amounts and didn’t carry the variety of materials they were seeking, which opened the door for a longstanding relationship with Mead Metals.

About KMC MANUFACTURING

KMC Manufacturing is a company based out of Port Washington, Wisconsin, with a long history. Founded in 1908, KMC has over a century of experience providing quality products at fair prices to their customers. They’ve carved out (or punch-pressed) an environment where creativity, innovation, employee involvement, and customer interaction flourishes.

Whether past, present, or future, KMC is prepared to meet whatever manufacturing challenges come their way. They prepare by investing in their employees, their processes, and their technologies, which has allowed them to become one of the most accomplished manufacturing companies in Wisconsin. And for the past 20+ years, they’ve relied on Mead Metals to provide them with the material they need to succeed.

Working with Mead Metals

I had the opportunity to chat with Cathy Skibbie, a Purchasing Agent at KMC who’s worked directly with us since our partnership was founded. We had a great conversation about her experiences. Here are a few highlights.

Supplying A Niche and A Need

“We have a diverse customer base, and Mead is able to support us so we can support our customers. Mead serves a very specific niche by offering small quantities in a variety of materials – they have a wide range of grades and gauges they supply. I’ve been with KMC for 25 years and have worked with many suppliers. Mead is unlike anyone.”

Ensuring Smooth Operations

“I remember the early business opportunities with Mead and noticed that even as markets changed and new people came in, the company maintained its integrity. They never deviated from their strengths, and their niche never changed. It gave us a lot of confidence in what Mead was able to do.”

MAINTAINING A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

“We buy a wide range of products from Mead and seldom come across material rejects. The issues we've dealt with have been minor, and once addressed, we don't see the issue repeat. Considering the variety of materials and percentage of items we purchase from Mead Metals, it is far below our required DPPM for rejections. They have superior quality.”

Standing Out FROM THE REST

“Whenever there is an urgent need, which happens from time to time, they have always come through for us. Day in and day out, they are so reliable. When I have a request to send their way, their response time is quick. And besides our professional relationships — which I think are excellent and makes the communication much more pleasant — their on-time delivery is out of this world. I never have to call them for late material delivery. And the quality is always consistent.”

Thank you, Cathy, for taking the time to share your perspective with me and allowing me to share it with our blog readers. I truly treasure the strong working relationship we’ve built over the years and look forward to partnering with KMC Manufacturing for many more years.