Our History--A Tradition of Quality
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.
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.

Cascade Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of materials handling equipment and related technologies. As Cascade lays the groundwork for continued growth and success, our primary objectives are:

    Ensure customer satisfaction by continually improving the quality and value of Cascade products and services.
    Provide all employees with challenging and rewarding opportunities to utilize their talents and experience in contributing to our shared success.
    Earn acceptable profits and provide a reasonable return to our shareholders.

Success in the pursuit of these goals requires that all employees strive for excellence in everything they do in every aspect of our business.

Continuous improvement is essential -- in our products, our services, our interpersonal relationships, our competitiveness and our profitability.

Growing to meet customer needs
"If we are not moving ahead, we are falling behind." That's the premise behind Cascade
Corporation's ambitious growth strategy, consisting of three main goals:

    Broaden our product offerings
    Provide manufacturing capabilities in target markets
    Improve our global service and market share