Two of Madras’s most prominent employers were recently featured on a regional business tour highlighting Jefferson County as a hub of economic diversity and industrial innovation — with energy efficiency at the center of the story.
KEITH Manufacturing Co. and Central Oregon Seeds, Inc. were among the stops on the Made in Jefferson County Tour held June 18, organized by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) with sponsorship from Energy Trust of Oregon. The tour brought together business leaders, community members, and regional partners for a firsthand look at the operations driving the county’s economy.
Energy Savings as a Business Strategy
Both KEITH Manufacturing and Central Oregon Seeds have maintained long-running partnerships with Energy Trust of Oregon, a nonprofit that helps businesses across the state reduce energy use and lower operating costs.
KEITH Manufacturing — known nationally for its walking floor technology used in trailers and industrial applications — has worked with Energy Trust since 2005 on projects including major lighting upgrades across its Madras facility.
Central Oregon Seeds, a leading agricultural seed operation, has partnered with Energy Trust on lighting upgrades, formal energy assessments, and participation in Strategic Energy Management — a program that embeds energy-saving habits into everyday business operations.
“Energy Trust works alongside businesses and operations across Oregon to help them cut energy use and lower operating costs. When businesses invest in energy-efficient equipment and processes, they often see lower utility bills, less maintenance and new opportunities to reinvest those savings back into their operations.”
— Nate Merrill, Central Oregon Outreach Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon
A Diverse Economy Taking Root
The tour also included Poland Organic Dairy, reflecting the breadth of Jefferson County’s economic base. While the region has deep agricultural roots — from wheat and mint to seed crops and cattle — it is also home to a growing manufacturing sector that has increasingly drawn interest from state and regional partners.
EDCO and Energy Trust noted that rural businesses often face unique energy challenges but also have significant opportunities for savings that go untapped due to lack of awareness about available programs and incentives.
“When local businesses reduce operating costs, they can invest more in their employees, facilities and future growth,” Merrill said.
Resources for Local Businesses
Jefferson County businesses interested in energy efficiency programs can contact Energy Trust of Oregon at energytrust.org or reach out to EDCO at edcoinfo.com for information on business support resources in the region.