Locke Buildings in Estacada showcases growth after $26,000 county grant

Locke Buildings, a pole-building manufacturer based in Estacada, appeared before the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 12 as part of a business-development spotlight.

Laura Edmonds, manager of the county’s Office of Economic Development, said Locke Buildings received a $26,000 2024 grant to purchase and customize a delivery truck. Edmonds said the video-spotlight series is funded by Office of Economic Development lottery funds and budgeted county general funds to support business retention and expansion across the county.

Steve Locke, founder of Locke Buildings, said the grant accelerated a truck purchase that increased delivery capacity and route efficiency, enabling the company to expand into additional areas of eastern Oregon and Washington. Locke said local fabricators and an Estacada sign shop performed the custom work, and that the grant money was spent in the county. He said the company now serves broader parts of Oregon and employs about 50 people (including subcontractors), and that the investment has helped the company increase hours for current staff and consider new hires.

The board asked questions about distribution range, permitting and local partnerships. Commissioners praised the company and the Office of Economic Development’s programs. The board took a photograph with Locke after the presentation; there was no vote required.