Columbia Machine Honors Fred Neth Jr.

Columbia Machine is mourning the passing of Fred Neth Jr. He was a proud member of the Columbia team for 57 years, retiring as chairman of the board in December of 2019.

Neth Jr. 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 his long tenure 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.”

Neth Jr. 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.