Our Mission
It is our mission at Badger Foundry Company to continually earn our reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality castings while meeting the demands of an ever-changing marketplace. We will accomplish our mission through the effective use of our most valuable resource, our people, who are committed to increasing value to our Customers by providing quality products and services at a competitive price.
Continuous Improvement
Our competitiveness and long-term commitment is based on a foundation of Lean and 6S concepts. Badger Foundry has continued to focus on events to make each task clearly defined and easy to perform. Our employees have received detailed training and actively participated in these events.
Our History
1910
The Beginning
In 1910, five molders started a small foundry in Racine, Wisconsin…
1915
Business Begins to Boom
As demands grew, the business opened its doors to more employees. Among these workers was Angus Callender, who would become the foundry’s first CEO after purchasing the company a few years later.
1949
The Move to Winona
Upon his retirement, Angus handed the company to his son, Richard Callender, who made the strategic move to Winona. The foundry was located on West Second Street in downtown Winona, overlooking the Mississippi River. The last remaining building of the Second Street foundry was demolished in 2015. Its final tenant was Charlie’s Bar.
1954
A Third Generation Legacy
During the summer of 1954, Richard Callender’s son, Angus, began his first shift at Badger Foundry. Today, Angus continues to serve the business as the third-generation chairman of the board. It’s the people and their commitment to quality craftsmanship that has become the foundation of the foundry.
1973
A New Foundry
By the early 1970s, Badger Foundry was ready to expand beyond its Second Street location. In 1973, construction on a new foundry was complete, and the final move was made to the present-day site on 1058 East Mark Street.
1980
Expands Facility Size
In the 1980s, Badger Foundry makes a significant capital investment particularly in the core area and expands its size to 115,000 sq. ft.
1995
No-Bake Implementation, and Upgrades
Badger Foundry implemented a No-Bake molding line, upgrades to Hartley controls, and the sand system.
2002
Sand Reclamation & No-Bake Capacity Upgrades
Sand reclamation and 1000 lbs/min mixer were installed for additional No-Bake capacity.
2004
ISO-9001 Certification achieved
Badger Foundry achieved ISO-9001 certification in 2004. In 2005, a ductile electric furnace was installed. By 2007, a Wheelbrator baghouse was installed to update compliance with air permit.
2010
Badger Foundry Celebrates 100 Years!
In 1960, over 10,000 foundries operated across the United States. By 2000, they totaled less than 2,000. Today, Badger Foundry is one of 1,333 foundries operating and producing casts in the United States.¹ We proudly supply quality-crafted components and look forward to another 100+ years of business.
2012
Installation and upgrades to No-Bake, Greensand, and Ajax
Installation of automated side track on 450 mixer line to increase production of No-Bake molds. In the following years a new greensand shaker system was installed, upgraded BMM molding machine to PLC base, and upgraded control panel for the Ajax Furnace to PLC base.
2023+
Ongoing Improvement
In 2023, Badger Foundry plant lighting was upgraded to LED.
In 2024, upgraded roof and installed new plant compressor.
In 2025, launched new website.
