VANCOUVER, WA (USA) – December 25, 2023 – Columbia mourns the passing of Fred Neth Jr. Fred was a proud member of the Columbia Team for 57 years, retiring as Chairman of the Board in December of 2019. Fred held multiple positions with Columbia, playing a critical role for the Company as it grew over the last 86 years and transitioned through the first three generations of family ownership. Many of the factory automation solutions that were designed and built during Fred’s long tenure with the Company are still in operation today.
“Fred was very dedicated to the success of our customers and employees. Up until he retired you would regularly see him on the shop floor asking about orders that were getting ready to ship and checking in with employees he had worked with for many years,” said Rick Goode, Columbia Chairman and CEO. “Fred had a deep loyalty to the long-term success of the Company his father founded in 1937. He cared passionately about his Columbia Family and will be missed.”
Fred is survived by his wife Michele and sons Gary and Bryan. Fred will be deeply missed by the Columbia Team and the extended Neth Family.
About Columbia Machine
Established in 1937, Columbia Machine is a fourth generation, privately held, worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and support of factory automation equipment solutions for a variety of industries, with customers in over 100 countries around the world. Primary business units include Batching and Mixing Solutions, Concrete Products Equipment Solutions, Production Equipment Molds, Bag Filling and Handling Technology, Mechanical Palletizing Machines, Robotic Palletizing Solutions, Conveyor System Solutions, Pallet Load Transfer Solutions, and Manufacturing Services. The Columbia Group of Companies has eight manufacturing facilities on four continents, with over 1,400 team members worldwide, focused on world-class engineered solutions and customer service.