Fred Neth Jr-photo

Columbia Machine, Inc. remembers Fred Neth Jr.

Listen to this article

Columbia Machine  is mourning the passing of Fred Neth Jr. Fred  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 is still in operation today.

Rick Goode headshot
Rick Goode

“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.

Magazine & eNewsletter

Printed Monthly Magazine

Published monthly, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of relevant industry issues and products.

Digital Monthly Magazine

Published on the fourth Thursday of each month, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of relevant industry issues and products.

Material Handing Wholesaler Weekly Newsletter

Our Weekly newsletter is emailed every Tuesday and contains the latest Industry Events and People News, Source Directory, and important Industry Links.

Forklift International Weekly Hot Sheet Newsletter

Published every Monday morning with the latest material handling equipment
available for sale.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Our Current Issue

Trader Network

Magazine & eNewsletter

Our magazine is published and mailed monthly, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of important industry issues. 

Weekly Newsletter – Get the latest industry events and people news in this weekly e-newsletter as well as direct access to Wholesaler’s Source Directory and link.

Current Supplements







Kalmar expands its electric portfolio in the North American market with medium electric forklift

Listen to this article Kalmar has introduced the Kalmar medium lithium-ion electric forklift to the North American market. The Kalmar medium…

Big Joe Forklifts appoints Johann Strauss as Director of Sales, National Accounts & Strategic Partnerships

Listen to this article Big Joe Forklifts has announced the appointment of Johann Strauss as its new Director of Sales,…

Optimal Performance: A Practical Guide to Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Preventive Maintenance

Listen to this article Even the most dependable equipment benefits from regular inspections by a qualified technician. These inspections can help prevent…

Prima Power appoints Lorenzo Salgado as Regional Sales Manager to Drive Expansion in Mexico

Listen to this article Veteran operations leader to accelerate Prima Power’s automation-driven growth and customer support in Mexico’s manufacturing sector …

U.S. rail traffic reports for the week ending May 09, 2026

Listen to this article The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 9,…