Badger Magnetics

Before Mead Metals, long lead times and higher prices made sourcing harder than it needed to be. By switching to a local metal service center with fast turnaround, value-added processing, and a relationship-first approach, Badger tightened up supply, improved consistency, and kept production schedules on track.

THE CHALLENGE

When you’re building transformer components, copper can’t show up “good enough.” It has to run clean through production, and it has to be safe to handle.

Badger’s requirements were clear: no burrs, sharp edges or flat surfaces.

Before Mead Metals, Badger was dealing with the same issues many manufacturers face in a commodity market:

• Long lead times
• Higher prices
• Non local supplier

That combination made planning harder, added risk to schedules, and created more pressure on the team when material timing slipped.

WHY MEAD METALS

Badger came to Mead Metals for two reasons that matter on the shop floor:

Pricing and lead times.

They also wanted a local metal service center they could count on, and a responsive relationship with someone who would stay on it. Their connection with sales rep Tony Kuehn helped make that shift feel straightforward and low risk.

This aligns with Mead’s 2026 focus on staying close to customers, creating stickier relationships, and winning on the categories that matter most when price alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

THE MEAD METALS SOLUTION

Badger needed more than material. They needed a supplier who could support the job from coil to production-ready.

Mead Metals delivered copper coil with the processing and controls Badger relies on, including:

• Slitting

• Edge conditioning

• Cut-to-length

• Fast lead times

• Technical expertise

• Quality certifications

Badger also called out a proactive difference that reduces day-to-day stress: Mead holds their size of copper. That means fewer surprises, less scrambling, and more confidence when schedules change.

When asked how they’d describe the consistency and quality of the Alloy 110 CR Annealed Copper Coil they receive from Mead, Badger said: “Wonderful.”

They also pointed to good customer service as a standout. That service mindset is part of how Mead operates. In a market that often forces buyers into reactive choices, Mead works to anticipate needs, solve problems early, and keep production moving.

RESULTS AND IMPACT

Since partnering with Mead Metals, Badger reported improvements in the areas that directly affect throughput and scheduling:

✅  Reduced lead times

✅  Improved copper quality and fewer defects

✅  Better production efficiency

✅  More consistent coil quality

Badger also shared that the partnership improved their ability to meet production schedules, driven by the shorter, more reliable lead times. In fact, Badger shared that what sets Mead apart from other suppliers they've worked with is "...on time delivery. Every time." They expanded on their feedback to say "We like this local supplier and [our] good relationship with the Rep."

This is exactly what Mead is working to scale in 2026: consistent performance, value-added processing, and a customer experience that keeps manufacturers coming back.

Experience excellent customer service for yourself

At Mead Metals, we believe that exceptional customer service is just as important as the high-quality metals we supply. By treating every customer with respect — whether you're new or returning, ordering a small quantity or a full truckload — we prioritize your needs and ensure you receive the best possible experience. Our commitment to value-added services, accurate lead times, and personalized support sets us apart from other metal suppliers.

Ready for copper that shows up clean, consistent, and on time? to Experience the Mead difference? Contact us today and see firsthand why our customers trust us for their metal supply needs.