Where and how is my custom badge made?
Every custom badge is proudly made in the USA in Smith & Warren’s 27,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in White Plains, New York — crafted with precision, inspected by hand, and held to rigorous quality standards.
Manufacturing location & timeline
Once your order (and ID verification, if required) is confirmed, production typically begins within 24 hours. Each badge is processed through five major stages to ensure it matches your specifications.
Badge manufacturing stages
- Engraving — A technician maps out your text layout and precisely engraves letters on each panel, accounting for spacing and sizing.
- Enamel application — The chosen enamel color is applied into the engraved recesses to bring your design to life.
- Assembly — For multi‑panel badges, panels are soldered to the badge front, then the selected attachment (pin, wallet clip, etc.) is affixed to the back.
- Plating — The badge receives its metal finish (nickel, rhodium, gold). For two‑tone badges, multiple plating steps ensure crisp contrast.
- Quality control & inspection — Each badge is inspected by hand to verify every detail, finish, and measurement meets our standards before shipping.
Care during production
Throughout all stages, our specialists ensure that components match your order exactly. Tolerances are tight, and every badge is given final verification before being packaged. Once it ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email.
Why this matters to you
- Because your badge is made domestically, you avoid international delays and enjoy tighter quality control.
- You see the progression of your design — engraving → enamel → plating → inspection — so you know your badge is built methodically, not mass-produced.
- Understanding the process helps you make better design decisions (e.g. attachment choice, finish selection) with realistic expectations of what’s possible.
If you have questions about a particular step — engraving depth, plating quality, or inspection — contact us. We’re happy to walk you through it.
Want to see your badge’s journey in action? Check out this video from Smith & Warren.
Smith & Warren was featured on the show "How It's Made":