At Cascade Machinery & Electric, we don’t just sell equipment—we solve problems.
From the shores of Alaska to the industrial heart of the Pacific Northwest, we’ve been the go-to resource for complex, mission-critical machinery for over a century.
We’re not a flashy corporation or a faceless conglomerate. We’re a multi-generational, family-run business that’s built trust one emergency repair, custom solution, and loyal relationship at a time.
Our clients know us for showing up, working hard, and delivering—no matter the complexity or the hour.
A Century in Motion: Our Story
We began in the heart of downtown Seattle in 1918, founded as Cunningham Electric by Gene Cunningham and E.G. Sundfelt just after World War I. Back then, we specialized in electric motor repairs and built hydro-powered freight elevators for the city’s warehouses—a legacy that still echoes in some of Seattle’s oldest buildings.
As the city grew, so did we. By 1923, we had moved into Seattle’s newly developed Industrial District, embracing innovation by introducing hydraulic elevator systems powered by electric-driven pump units.
Three years later, in 1926, we rebranded as Cascade Machinery & Electric, Inc., setting up shop in what is now the SODO district.
Over the decades, Cascade weathered recessions, ownership transitions, and global wars – always finding new ways to be of service. In the 1930s, we supplied mining machinery and power generators to rural communities. During World War II, we sold surplus military equipment re-engineered for the fishing industry. And by the 1960s, we had evolved into a trusted distributor of new equipment for industries throughout the region.
Key moments in
our history:
1927
Carl Lundberg and E.J. Willgress joined the company, eventually becoming owners and guiding Cascade through pivotal growth years.
1933
We acquired Gray & Barsch, expanding our capabilities in motor repair and cannery machinery.
For over 100 years, Cascade has adapted to the shifting needs of the industries we serve—from electric elevators to advanced air systems, from diesel-powered generators to vacuum pumps.
Through every era, our mission has stayed the same:
do the work others won’t, and do it better than anyone else.
What We Do (And Why It Matters)
We provide advanced pump and compressor systems, emergency service, and industrial problem-solving across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Whether you’re a commercial buyer in aerospace or a marine operator trying to keep your fleet running, we’re the team you call when failure isn’t an option.
Next-Gen Leadership
of dedicated specialists
led by a new generation
of ownership
We don’t promise performance.
We prove it — job after job, year after year.
Built for the Northwest,
By the Northwest
We’re not a national reseller. We’re not owned by private equity. Our roots are here. Our trucks wear local area codes. And our service people don’t fly in—they drive in, from just up the road.
When you work with Cascade, you’re working with a regional partner who knows the terrain, the industries, and the urgency behind your operations. You’re not just another sale—you’re a relationship we’re committed to earning and keeping.
Looking Ahead: The Next Era
Today, we represent over 50 manufacturers, including industry leaders like Quincy, Samson, and Carver. Our product line is evolving, our service capabilities are expanding, and we’re investing in smarter systems, deeper inventory, and streamlined quoting tools that make it easier to work with us.
