Madras-based KEITH Manufacturing Co. has been recognized on the national stage for its growing global footprint, receiving the 2026 Global Trailblazer Award from the Oregon Consular Corps (OCC). The honor was presented at the annual Celebrate Trade Gala held at the Portland Art Museum, alongside fellow Oregon honorees Calbee America, Orchard View Farms, and the Oregon Hazelnut Industry.
The Global Trailblazer Award honors Northwest companies that strengthen Oregon’s trade-based economy, drive international market expansion, and foster lasting global partnerships. This year’s award highlights KEITH’s recent expansion into high-growth agricultural and material handling sectors in India and the Middle East.
From a Madras Farm to Five Continents
KEITH is a third-generation, family-owned company with deep roots in Central Oregon agriculture. Founder Keith Foster began developing solutions in the 1950s to address challenges facing local farmers before inventing the KEITH WALKING FLOOR hydraulic unloading system, which today is used worldwide to safely and efficiently move bulk agricultural products including cotton seed, grains, canola, rice husks, and compost.
The company has grown while remaining anchored in Madras, and now has wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Australia, and India, with an additional international location scheduled to open later this year.
"Global business pushes you out of your comfort zone, and success in new markets requires patience, flexibility, and perseverance," said Lindsay Foster-Drago, Director at KEITH Manufacturing Co. "This award recognizes the dedication of our team members, dealers, and partners around the world who have helped make that growth possible."
Serving Small Farmers and Global Enterprises
Despite its international reach, the company maintains its customer-first philosophy. "Our philosophy has always been centered on customer-driven problem solving -- listening today to design for tomorrow," Foster-Drago added. "Seeing our global customers successfully grow their business and increase efficiency by integrating a WALKING FLOOR system into their operations is incredibly rewarding."
The Celebrate Trade Gala also serves as a major fundraiser for the Oregon Consular Corps Scholarship Fund, which supports international studies and global business education for students across six regional universities.
KEITH Manufacturing is one of Madras’ largest employers and is also featured as a stop on the upcoming Made in Jefferson County EDCO tour on June 18, when regional business leaders will visit local manufacturers including Central Oregon Seed, Inc. and Poland Organic.