Eight Decades of Growth and Excellence at Cascade Corporation
By Nicole Needles
WITH MORE THAN 80 years behind it, Cascade Corporation stands as one of the most recognized names in material handling – a global manufacturer of forklift attachments, forks, masts and emerging smart technologies. But like many industry leaders, the company had to start somewhere.
“Cascade was founded in 1943 in Portland, Oregon,” said Pete Drake, senior vice president of operations, Americas. “Five people invested $1,500 each and started a machine shop machining valves, fittings and other components.”
Early growth came as the company began designing and producing hydraulic cylinders. By the mid-1950s, Cascade shifted into branded forklift attachments and found its niche.
By 1948, the company had grown from five employees to 40. From there, it expanded to Springfield, Ohio, then into Japan, the Netherlands, England and Canada. Today, Cascade operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and invests in local markets.
The company’s footprint reflects that approach.
“We’re over 3,000 employees in more than 30 countries. In North America alone, we have 10 manufacturing facilities,” said Carrie Schave, global marketing communications manager at Cascade. “We also have more than 30 outside sales and service people in North America working to understand customer needs so we can develop the right solution.”
Cascade’s growth is impressive, but Drake and Schave point to culture as the true differentiator.
“It’s critical to have the right culture,” Drake said. “Cascade has been around for over 80 years. That speaks volumes.” From the start, leadership emphasized people and relationships – made evident by the founders’ guiding philosophy: “The two great challenges facing any company, large or small, are to have satisfied customers and satisfied employees. It took us a long time to reduce it all to these simple truths.”
“That spirit is still alive,” Schave said. “Employees are our most valuable asset. We invest in our people by providing comprehensive training, mentorship and ongoing support – enabling them to build long-term, fulfilling careers while contributing to our shared success. In addition, employees are empowered on the job to make decisions, pivot and do what needs to be done for the customer.”
As a result, many dedicated employees around the world have put decades of service into the company.
Cascade honors its past and people while investing in the future. Digitalization, automation and data connectivity are shaping the next era, and Cascade aims to lead.
“Technology continues to change. It was mechanical, then hydraulic, now more electrical and digital,” Drake said.
Schave highlighted current innovations: “We have all electric attachments with predictive analysis, sensor forks with cameras at the tip and ActivWeigh – mobile weighing built into the attachment.” These solutions improve precision, reduce product damage and boost warehouse efficiency.
Labor shortages and rising end-user expectations continue to accelerate change. Companies are turning to automation and smart technologies. Even as Cascade grows, it maintains the attentiveness of a smaller company.
“We really believe in local support, understanding our customers and developing the right solution,” Schave said. “Manufacturing facilities in each region around the world allow us to proactively engage and support our customers where they are. We adhere to global standards while optimizing for local needs – ensuring that every product is tailored to regional demands without compromising quality.”
Technology and customer demands will always evolve, but some fundamentals remain unchanged. “It is still all about relationships,” Drake said. “Listening to customers, understanding what they need and how we can help.”
Cascade’s future is as ambitious as its history. The team plans to continue growing, developing new products and supporting customers. With the industry expanding and evolving, Cascade sees long-term stability and opportunity ahead.
More than a manufacturer, Cascade sees itself as a trusted partner. “If customers are successful, we’re successful,” Drake said. “We are a leader in the industry, and we take it pretty seriously.”
After eight decades, one truth remains: Innovation fuels Cascade, but people and relationships built it – and will continue to drive its future.
