KEITH Manufacturing Co., a cornerstone of Madras, Oregon’s business community, has been recognized with the 2026 Global Trailblazer Award by the Oregon Consular Corps. This accolade was presented at the annual Celebrate Trade Gala, held at the Portland Art Museum, celebrating KEITH’s significant contributions to Oregon’s trade-based economy.
Global Expansion and Innovation
The award highlights KEITH’s successful expansion into international markets, particularly in the high-growth agricultural and material handling sectors in India and the Middle East. Lindsay Foster-Drago, Director at KEITH Manufacturing Co., emphasized the dedication and perseverance required to succeed globally, acknowledging the hard work of their team members, dealers, and partners worldwide.
Founded by Keith Foster in the 1950s, KEITH Manufacturing has deep agricultural roots, initially developing solutions for local farmers. The company is renowned for its KEITH WALKING FLOOR® hydraulic unloading system, which is now utilized by both small farmers and major global food enterprises to efficiently transport bulk agricultural products like cotton seed, grains, and compost.
Family-Owned and Community-Focused
As a third-generation, family-owned business, KEITH remains committed to its Central Oregon roots while expanding its global footprint. The company operates subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Australia, and India, with plans for further international growth.
Foster-Drago noted the company’s customer-driven philosophy, which focuses on listening to customer needs to design innovative solutions. This approach has enabled their global customers to enhance business efficiency and growth through the integration of KEITH’s technology.
Supporting Future Leaders
The Celebrate Trade Gala not only honors business achievements but also supports the Oregon Consular Corps Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarships for international studies and global business education to exceptional students from six regional universities, fostering the next generation of global business leaders.
For more information on the Celebrate Trade Gala and the Global Trailblazer Awards, interested parties can contact the Oregon Consular Corps.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.