After World War II, the United States was transitioning from fighting a war to welcoming its fighting men and women home. The war effort limited the material available for housing, and with the returning military seeking places to live and begin families, the construction industry was poised for growth.
After serving in the war, Navy veteran Ray Noonan Sr. and his wife, Mary, put down their roots in the small community of Cascade, Iowa. Around that time, a trusted friend encouraged Noonan to consider a career in the lumber business. Although he had little familiarity with the industry, Noonan understood one fundamental truth: people will always need food, clothing, and shelter. Guided by that conviction, Noonan took a leap of faith with the opening of “The Yard on the Highway,” Cascade Lumber Company, in 1953.
Cascade Lumber Company first began by supplying lumber and building materials to meet the needs of residents and area farmers. As time went on, the company expanded into the production of wood trusses, which marked its initial entry into component manufacturing. This emerging capability quickly drew the attention of neighboring lumber yards, many of which began seeking Cascade’s trusses for their own projects. In response to growing regional demand for a reliable truss manufacturer, Cascade Lumber Company formally established its first subsidiary, Cascade Manufacturing Company, in 1963.
While the new division successfully built a strong reputation for quality and reliability, it did face challenging times. In 1997, a devastating fire engulfed Cascade Mfg’s entire operation, resulting in a total loss and the business as they knew it. Guided by Ray Noonan Sr.’s simple but powerful advice, “Keep going,” Cascade Mfg Co did exactly that. Not only was Cascade able to rebuild, but this period of recovery also set the stage for diversification. In 1998, Cascade launched the production of its cold-formed steel truss division, positioning itself as an early adopter of this emerging technology.
Entering the 21st century, Cascade continued to grow through strategic expansion. A second wood truss facility opened in Pleasantville, Iowa, in 2005, followed by steel manufacturing facilities in Texas (2015) and Georgia (2025), enabling the company to serve projects nationwide. This multi-location footprint has strengthened production capacity, improved regional responsiveness, and positioned Cascade Mfg to deliver consistent, high-quality solutions efficiently across diverse markets, supporting projects not only across the U.S. but in eight countries worldwide.
Today, Cascade Mfg Co is a leading producer of both wood and cold-formed steel trusses, supporting a wide range of construction sectors. Backed by more than 70 years of experience, we have evolved beyond manufacturing into a strategic partner, delivering fully integrated design, engineering, and production solutions. With the scale, expertise, and infrastructure to execute projects of any size, Cascade Mfg Co consistently drives efficiency, precision, and reliability for clients across the United States and beyond.
Ray Sr. and Mary Noonan founded Cascade Lumber Company in Cascade, Iowa, selling building materials to the local community and area farmers.
Cascade Mfg Co was founded as a subsidiary of Cascade Lumber, producing wood trusses for agricultural and residential construction.
1963
Ray Noonan Sr. stepped down as President, appointing his eldest son, Ray Noonan Jr., to the leadership role.
1989
On a cold January morning, a devastating fire erupted, destroying the truss office and wood truss plant.
A new truss office and a 40,000 wood truss manufacturing plant were constructed.
Product diversity further continued with the introduction of the cold-formed light gauge steel truss division.
The wood division opened its second wood truss plant in Pleasantville, Iowa.
A second steel manufacturing facility was opened in Tyler, Texas.
Ray Noonan Jr. retired, with Tim Noonan assuming the position of President.
The steel division opened its third truss plant in East Dublin, GA, expanding the company’s footprint to three states.
Cascade Mfg remains committed to designing, building, and delivering on our promise to provide high-quality engineered wood and steel building components.
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