History

1973
Cascade Engineering Opens
Originally started as a department for mold tryouts, Cascade Engineering (CE) officially opened in 1973 as a division of Paragon Die and Engineering led by Fred P. Keller.
1978
First Automotive Contract
Cascade wins its first automotive contract - an air-conditioning duct for Oldsmobile.
1980
First Acoustical Barrier Contract
A contract with General Motors began our acoustical engine barrier expertise.
1984
Cascade Engineering North Plant Built 1982
North Plant is built
This building was built to achieve the highest technology possible for till injection molding plant
1985
Innovative Plastic Technologies
Cascade Commercial Products is Established
Now known as Cascade Engineering Innovative Plastic Technologies, this group was formed when Cascade began work for Herman Miller, Inc.
1985
Equa Chair 2 - Image © Herman Miller, Inc
Herman Miller Product Development Award
Cascade receives the first-ever Herman Miller Product Development Award for work on the Equa Chair.
1987
East Plant Opens
Acquired from Paragon D&E, the East plat was originally retrofitted for production of a new Chrysler program running decorative trim parts.
1988
StarCade Established
StarCade was a joint venture business between Cascade Engineering and Starlite Co. Ltd. of Japan.
1989
Cascade Cart Solutions
Cascade Cart Solutions Established
Originally known as Container Group, Cascade Cart Solutions opened for business in 1989.
1989
Award of Excellence and Vendor of the Year
Herman Miller once again honors Cascade Engineering with its Award of Excellence and its Vendor of the Year Award.
1990
Ford Motor Company Selects Cascade Engineering
Ford Motor Company selected CE to be the sole manufacturer of an oil flow control rod – the first ever plastic part inside the engine.
1989
Cascade Container Plant Built
Our facility on 37th Street was established and started production. Now known as Buursma Plant.
1990
battenfeld
World's Largest Molding Press Installed
A 9,000-ton Battenfeld, the world’s largest injection molding press at the time, was installed at Container Plant (now known as Buursma Plant)
1991
CEE
Cascade Engineering Europe Established
EsCade established as a joint venture in Halásztelék, Hungary. Later renamed Cascade Engineering Europe (CEE) when CE became its sole owner.
1991
CE receives the coveted Q1 Quality Award from Ford
October 9, 1991 was a proud day for Cascade Engineering when Fred Keller raised the Ford Motor Company Ql Preferred Quality award flag on the company flagpole. Suppliers that are awarded Q1 have demonstrated their commitment to and support for continuous improvement in quality and productivity.
1991
Nippendoso Award of Merit
Nippondenso US, in Battle Creek, recognized their suppliers who met or exceeded their established goals in 1991. CE qualified with exceptionally high marks, showing "tremendous improvement in all areas of purchasing, engineering ideas, cost reductions and material control".
1992
33rd Street Plant Built
The facility has a total of 50,000 square feet; 42,000 for the plant and 8,000 for the office. A unique feature is the 8' x 8' underground tunnel which runs the length of the plant. This tunnel houses the material vacuum lines, water system, machine electrical and air hook-ups, allowing a cleaner environment in the molding area.
1992
Container Plant Named Among Top 10 Plants in America
Cascade Cart Solutions' Container Plant (now Buursma Plant) was selected as a finalist for Industry Week Magazine’s list of top 10 plants in America.
1992
Labor Investing for Tomorrow Award
The U.S. Secretary of Labor presented Cascade Engineering with the Labor Investing for Tomorrow Award for achievements in employee skill improvement and outstanding contribution to workforce quality.
1992
Literacy Partnership Award
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Ron Jimmerson and Cascade Engineering the Literacy Partnership Award for efforts to advance literacy.
1993
Systex Products Corporation Established
Systex Products Corporation, a joint venture between CE and Systex Japan, Inc., opened in Battle Creek.
1994
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People® program was introduced
1994
General Motors Supplier of the Year Award
General Motors awards Cascade Engineering the Supplier of the Year award for cost, quality, and delivery.
1994
Certificate of Merit from Nippondenso
Nippondenso recognized the CE Acoustics Group (a team within Cascade Engineering Automotive Americas) with a Certificate of Merit.
1995
Top Supplier from Nippondoso
Systex was honored as one of Nippondenso‘s top suppliers in 1995, 1996, and 1997.
1996
Cascade Engineering Europe earns ISO 9002 Certification
Cascade Engineering Europe earned ISO 9002 certification, becoming the first in the Cascade Family of Companies to be ISO registered.
1996
Cascade Cart Solutions ISO 9001 Certification
Container Group became the first U.S. waste container producer to be ISO 9001 registered.
1997
Noble Polymers
Noble Polymers Established
Noble Polymers, a materials research, development, and manufacturing com­pany. Creation of this company resulted from research and development activities.
1997
Chrysler Role Model Award for Technology
Chrysler presented its Role Model Award for Technology to CE.
1998
Fred Keller Named Manufacturer of the Year
Michigan Manufacturers Association presented its Manufacturer of the Year Award to Fred Keller.
1998
Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership
The White House presented the Presidential Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership to Fred Keller for the Company’s PHASES Work and Family Program.
1998
West Plant
West Plant is built
The 82,000-square-foot West Plant was built to pro­duce large automotive acoustical barri­ers, also known as dash mats, to accommodate the fast growing automotive acoustics business.
1999
Decade Products
Decade Products Established
Decade Products, a joint venture between CE and Dolav Israel, was formed.
1999
Cascade Begins Welfare to Career Program
1999
Sklyhouse Business Person of the Year
The Economic Club of Grand Rapids named Fred P. Keller Slykhouse Business Person of the Year.
2000
Corporation of the Year Award
Cascade Engineering recieves "Corporation of the Year Award" at Minority Business Celebration from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
2001
Founding Member of EPA's Green Power Partnership
CE joined EPA’s Green Power Partnership as one of the three founding members in Michigan.
2001
Plastics News Processor of the Year
CE received the 2001 Processor of the Year Award from Plastics News.
2002
CKT Logo
CK Technologies Established
CK Technologies, a joint venture between CE and Kline Holdings, was created in Montpelier, OH.
2002
IWS
Invisible Waste Services Established
Cascade Engineering purchased business assets of TrashPorters, a subsidiary of Waste Management of Florida and formed a new limited liability company called Invisible Waste Services, LLC to operate TrashPorters.
2002
WOW® (Working On Wellness) Program started
Cascade demonstrates its commitment to employees by providing a valuable package of health benefits and wellness opportunities to assure everyone access to the services and information needed to remain in good health.
2002
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Award
CE receives Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Award for five years of participation in "Clean Corporate Citizen" program.
2002
Entrepreneurer of the Year
Fred Keller awarded "Entrepreneurer of the Year" award from Earnst & Young Professional Services firm.
2002
Fred Keller Inducted to West Michigan Business Hall of Fame
Junior Achievement inducts Fred Keller to the West Michigan Business Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievement.
2002
Society of Plastic Engineers presents Fred Keller with annual award for "Outstanding Achievement in Buisness Management"
2003
30th Anniversary for Cascade Engineering
CE celebrated its 30th year of business with a focus on sustainability and growth for the future.
2004
Fred Keller Named to National Manufactuing Council
Commerce Secretary Don Evans named Fred Keller to the National Manufacturing Council. CE hosted the inaugural meeting.
2004
Shaping Ideas in Plastic
CE launched its first brand and tagline
“Shaping Ideas in Plastics”
2004
CE published its first Triple Bottom Line Report
2004
National Governor's Association Award
For "Distinguished Service to State Government" by Michigan Governor, Jennifer Granholm
2005
Surge Medical Solutions, LLC Established
2005
CK Technologies Expands to North Carolina
CK Technologies announced an expansion of its operation to Mount Airy, North Carolina.
2005
The Learning Community is opened. Re-designed as a LEED building
The Cascade Engineering corporate headquarters has been designed and remodeled to meet the certification guidelines of the LEED EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings) Green Building Rating System® developed by the US Green Building Council.
2005
Neighborhood Recycling Center opened at Cascade Engineering's East Plant
The Neighborhood Recycling Center opened to support Cascade’s sustainability and Clean Corporate Citizen goals.
2005
CE recieves "Employer Recognition Award" for women in the workplace from Women's Resource Center
2005
Environmental Stewardship Award
The Society of Plastics Engineers honored CE with the Environmental Stewardship Award for its Triple Bottom Line Report
2006
CE purchased equity interest in Brandmotion, LLC, gaining access to automotive aftermarkets
2006
Kenyatta Brame joins Cascade Engineering Family of Companies as Vice President of Business Services
2006
Mark Miller joins CK Technologies as VP of Sales and Marketing
2006
Zero Waste group is formed starting "Zero Waste to Landfill" initiative
2007
Cascade Renewable Energy Established
2007
Cascade Consulting Group Established
Quest business unit was formed. Later rebranded as Cascade Consulting Group.
2007
Star Awards Program Begins
Cascade Engineering begins peer appreciation and employee recognition program "Star Awards".
2007
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm visits Cascade Engineering GR campus
2007
Diversity Visionary Award
Cascade Engineering named Diversity Visionary Award recipient by Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
2008
CK Technologies becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Cascade Engineering
2008
Decade Products launches RACX pallet made from 100% recycled resins
2008
Health Horizons wellness program is started
2008
Automotive PACE Award
Cascade Automotive Solutions is honored with Automotive PACE Award for their Hybrid Acoustic Technology.
2008
Sustainability for a Greener Environment Award
Cascade Cart Solutions' EcoCart™ is honored with Sustainability for a Greener Environment Award by the Society of Plastics Engineers.
2008
LEED Plaque
LEED Platinum EB Certification
CE Learning Community building recives Platinum LEED EB (existing building) certification from US Green Buildings Council in Michigan
2008
CE earns the Clean Corporate Citizen Longevity Award
2008
CK Technologies Mount Airy, NC awarded LEED building certification
2009
Triple Quest Established
CE and The Windquest Group partner to form joint venture, Triple Quest.
2009
Car Czar, Dr. Montgomery visits Cascade
2009
Two shot rotary platen for HMI and CAMI projects
2009
Cascade Engineering named as one of 25 “Best of Michigan” companies by Corp magazine
2009
CE receives Environmental Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers
2009
Decade Racx® pallets awarded Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification
2010
Pink Cart
Cascade Cart Solutions launches "Pink Cart"
Developed by Cascade Cart Solutions, The Pink Cart supports the American Cancer Society's® breast cancer initiatives and the Canadian Cancer Society's® breast cancer research.
2010
CE Grand Rapids campus reaches “zero waste to landfill”
2010
CE hosts the Jim Crow Traveling Exhibit at the Learning Community
2011
CE becomes a Certified B Corporation
2011
CKT opens new plant in Brownsville, TX
2011
Forbes Magazine Features Cascade Engineering
Forbes Magazine “Corporate Responsibility and Cascade Engineering”.
2011
Governor Rick Snyder visits Cascade Engineering
2011
Inc. Magazine article recognizes Fred Keller as “Social Entrepreneur”
2011
Awarded Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award Special Achievement for Global Humanitarian Efforts
2011
MLive awards Cascade Engineering “Innovation Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award” (July 28, 2011)
2012
Cascade Cart Solutions and City of Grand Rapids launch “Pay as you Throw” program
2012
Cascade Cart Solutions makes 20 millionth cart
2012
Cascade Engineering and Butterball Farms launch 30/2/2 Returning Citizens program
2012
CK Technologies Expands to Fort Worth, Texas
2012
Kent County Department of Veterans' Affairs awards Fred Keller with "Hero's Salute"
2012
CE receives Credentialed Partner Award from the Partners for a Racism-Free Community
2013
CE celebrates 40th anniversary
2013
Christina Keller named President of CK Technologies
2013
Fred Keller presents "Why Business, Why Now" at TEDxGrandRapids
2013
RFID Green Award from RFID Journal
Cascade Cart Solutions’ RFID-enabled recycling and refuse collection system for the City of Grand Rapids, MI
2013
Move the Box Initiative
2013
Celebration of Innovation Award
The "Celebration of Innovation Award" was given to Cascade Automotive Americas -West Michigan New Car Dealer Association
2014
Cascade Cart Solutions Makes 25th millionth cart
Also our 25th anniversary
2014
Container plant renamed “Buursma Plant” in honor of Chuck Buursma
2014
Fred Keller becomes the first Executive in Residence at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business- Center for Positive Organizations
2014
Mark Miller named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cascade Engineering FOC
2014
CE receives GM "Supplier Quality Excellence" Award
2014
Corp Magazine names CE one of the “Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies”
2015
Invitation to Michigan's State of the State Address
Fred Keller, Amy Valderas and Joyce Gutierrez Marsh invited to Governor Rick Snyder’s State-of-the-State address for Welfare to Career program comments from Snyder
2015
PIR/PCR material usage reaches 22,000,000 pounds for the CE Grand Rapids campus
2015
Honda Corporate Citizenship Award and Excellence in Quality Award
2015
Cascade Cart Solutions honored with NWRA’s first Sustainability Partnership Game Changer Award
Hillsborough County, FL “Fill It, Tilt It, That’s How We Roll” recycling cart campaign
2015
Jo-Anne Perkins and Caitlin Townsend Lamb receive national STEP Ahead awards for “Women in Manufacturing”
2016
Welfare to Career discussed in Washington DC
Kenyatta Brame testifies on Welfare to Career program success before US House of Representatives Ways and Means subcommittee hearing regarding Human Resources in Washington D.C.
2016
Jo-Anne Perkins named one of 50 of West Michigan's most influential women
2016
Haworth Innovation Award for the Fern Chair Back Frame
2016
Christina Keller named President of Campus Business Team
2016
Anthony Kramer named President of CK Technologies
2017
Jo-Anne Perkins Influential Women Q&A featured in GRBJ
2017
Mark Miller and Kenyatta Brame testify before state of Michigan Law and Justice Committee
2017
Brame named Outstanding Community Leader by Michigan League of Conservation Voters
2017
B-Corp Recertification
Assessment score of 141
2017
Fred Keller receives Whitney M. Young Service Award
2017
Fred Keller named Communicator of the Year by West Michigan Public Relations Society
2017
Cascade Engineering receives Herman Miller's Gold Supplier Status
2018
Cascade Cart Solutions receives recognition from MDEQ Recycling Program
For helping to increase recycling across the state of Michigan
2018
Cascade Cart Solutions makes 30 millionth cart
2018
Best Places to Work in West Michigan Best of the Best Large Companies Best and Brightest Awards
2018
Pillar of Excellence Award for Empowering Woman at Work by the Women's Resource Center
2019
Best and Brightest for Wellness Logo
Winner of GRBJ Best and Brightest for Wellness
2020
CK Technology Workers with bumper
PACCAR Recognizes Cascade as a High Performing Supplier
2020
Eco Cart Product Picture
Cascade Cart Solutions Launches First Roll to Curb Cart made from Post Consumer Curbside Material
2021
Design for Recycling Award Logo
EcoCart® Wins ISRI Design for Recycling Award

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