During the past 60
years, the field of materials handling has developed into a
highly sophisticated and important part of industry. Cascade has
played a significant part in this growth and development. From
our beginnings as a small machine shop in the early 1940's to
the leading worldwide manufacturer that we are today, Cascade
continues to grow as the premier supplier of lift truck
attachments and related products. As we look to the future and
the challenges of an increasingly competitive global
marketplace, we remain confident in our ability to understand
customer needs and enhance our industry leadership position.
Cascade Manufacturing Company was founded in
1943 in Portland, Oregon as a small machine shop employing just
four people. The first recorded sales revenues involved the
machining and assembly of stainless steel valves, pipe fittings
and other components. Sales for the first year of operation
totaled $60,000.
At the end of five
years of operation, annual sales volume had increased to
$330,000 and the company had grown to approximately 40
employees. Design and production of the company's first
hydraulic cylinder led the way in Cascade's aggressive pursuit
of new business opportunities.
During the 1950's, Cascade
began to design, manufacture, and sell hydraulic attachments. In
1956, construction was completed on a new facility to house all
plant and office operations in Portland, Oregon -- this building
is now Cascade's worldwide headquarters. After 15 years in
business, sales had reached nearly $2,300,000 and total
employment stood at 180.
In 1959, Cascade broadened its base of
operations with a second manufacturing plant in Springfield,
Ohio. The following year marked Cascade's initial move into the
global arena, with interests established in companies in The
Netherlands, England and Australia.
In 1964, the company name was
changed to Cascade Corporation. Cascade went public with an
initial offering of 200,000 shares of common stock in 1965.
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Manufacturing
facilities have since been added and expanded at USA locations
in Portland, Oregon; Springfield, Ohio and Warner Robins,
Georgia. Subsidiary operations now manufacture Cascade products
worldwide. A new facility, completed in late 1994, at the
European headquarters of Almere, The Netherlands, is designed to
be the ultimate customer service center.
Cascade expanded its product
offering dramatically in 1996 and 1997 with the acquisition of
five companies including Kenhar Corporation, the global leader
in forks. |
