Vancouver, WA – Columbia/Okura, a leading provider of end-of-line automation solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new miniPAL® Cobot Rental Program. This innovative program offers businesses a flexible and scalable solution to automate repetitive palletizing tasks. miniPAL   The miniPAL® cobot rental program provides companies with access to advanced palletizing technology without the need for significant upfront capital investment. With its compact design, versatility, and ease of integration, the miniPAL® cobot can be quickly deployed to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs.   KEY BENEFITS OF THE miniPAL® COBOT RENTAL PROGRAM:  • Cost-effective: Minimal upfront capital investment  • Versatile: Compatible with various product types and packaging applications  • Compact: Easily integrates into existing systems, even in limited spaces    SPECIFICATIONS:  • miniPAL® 20: 44 lb load capacity, 10’ x 11’ footprint, 48"x 48" max pallet size, 80" load height, up to 8 picks per minute  • Vacuum style end effector: Ideal for various product types  • Quick deployment: Pre-configured rental-ready units  • Applications: Cases, spot packs, trays, bundles, and plastic bags  • Pally software: Easy-to-use pattern-building software    PROGRAM DETAILS:  • Initiation fee includes outbound shipping and deployment  • Minimum 3-month commitment with convenient monthly billing.  • Basic operator training included  • Pally palletizing software included    "We're thrilled to introduce our new miniPAL® Cobot Rental Program. This innovative solution addresses the growing need for flexible and affordable automation. By offering a rental option, we're empowering businesses of all sizes to adopt collaborative robotics and boost their productivity without significant upfront costs." - Michael Stuyvesant, Sales & Marketing Director    By automating palletizing tasks, businesses can improve productivity, reduce errors, and free up their workforce to focus on more strategic activities. The miniPAL® cobot rental program offers a hassle-free solution that can help companies optimize their operations and achieve long-term success.    To learn more about the miniPAL® Cobot Rental Program and how it can benefit your business, please visit columbiaokura.com/products/cobot-rental/.   *Cobot Rental Program currently available only in the USA    About Columbia/Okura  For nearly 30 years, Columbia/Okura has been a trusted leader in robotic palletizing systems, delivering custom-engineered solutions that meet the most demanding customer requirements. We don't just sell robots; our true value lies in providing exceptional service. From expert analysis and consultation to complete system integration and ongoing support, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals efficiently and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, Columbia/Okura is a joint venture between Columbia Machine, Inc., and Okura USA, Inc.   For more information, visit www.columbiaokura.com.    Contact Michael Stuyvesant Sales & Marketing Director micstu@colmac.com   Nicholas Shiraishi Marketing Coordinator  nicshi@colmac.com  

VANCOUVER, WA (USA) – October 24, 2024 – Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Machine, Inc., announces that Columbia PSI, LLC, (“CPSI”) located in Denver, CO, has hired Jeremy Dwyer as General Manager. Jeremy brings extensive experience to CPSI and will lead the team by driving product innovation and growth in the markets served.   With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jeremy brings over ten years of experience in the factory automation industry. He has previously held leadership positions in design engineering and operational roles. Jeremy will use his background to focus on the core values of CPSI and will work closely with his management team to create strategic plans aimed at advancing factory automation technology, driving productivity for customers, prioritizing safety and ensuring CPSI’s commitment to market leadership.   “I’m excited to have Jeremy join our Global Leadership Team,” said Rick Goode. “CPSI products and services play a critical role in our long-term strategy to help our customers with their factory automation needs in bagging, palletizing and packaging. Jeremy’s experience and leadership will be a great addition to the CPSI team and our Columbia Group of Companies.”   “Jeremy’s previous work experience, positive attitude, and commitment to customer satisfaction make him a great cultural fit for CPSI,” said Tim Goode, interim General Manager of CPSI. “CPSI has an exciting future, and with Jeremy leading the charge, the Company will continue to thrive.”   “I’m excited to join the Columbia Group of Companies. Columbia’s Core Values of Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, Improvement and Growth align well with my leadership style and beliefs,” said Jeremy Dwyer, General Manager of CPSI. “I’m excited to carry on the past success of CPSI and the vision Columbia has for growth and innovation.”   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, Box Erecting Solutions and Manufacturing Services. The Columbia Group of Companies has seven manufacturing facilities on four continents, with over 1,200 team members worldwide, focused on world-class engineered solutions and customer service.   Contact Taylor Goode Corporate Marketing Manager taygoo@colmac.com colmac.com

Vancouver, WA, October 21st, 2024—Columbia Machine is excited to announce the addition of Mark Nelson to the Palletizing Division team as the North American Sales Manager, effective October 21st. With a strong background in the packaging machinery industry, Mark will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer relationships and supporting our dedicated sales team.   In his new position, Mark will work directly with Columbia Palletizer customers and integrators, while also collaborating with our outside sales representatives, regional sales managers, inside sales team, and LTS Product Manager. His extensive experience will contribute to Columbia Machine’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions.   A graduate of Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mark brings valuable expertise that aligns with our mission to provide industry-leading palletizing solutions. He will be based in Vancouver, WA, and will report to Mark MacDonald, President of Columbia’s Palletizer Division.   We are thrilled to have Mark join our sales team and look forward to the contributions he will make to the Columbia family.   About Columbia Machine Established in 1937, Columbia Machine is a fourth generation, privately held, world-wide 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 manufacturing facilities on five continents, with over 1,300 team members worldwide, focused on world-class engineered solutions and customer service.   Columbia manufactures inline high speed, high-level, floor-level and robotic palletizers and load transfer stations.  Columbia also provides Complete Systems Integration. Columbia Palletizers feature flexible, upgradeable designs with speeds up to 200 cases per minute. With the broadest and most current product line available, Columbia is the leading palletizing solutions provider in North America. All Columbia palletizers are backed by 24-hour customer support and parts service.   Contact Brooke Scott Marketing Coordinator brosco@colmac.com palletizing.com

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 MachineEstablished 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.

Columbia/Okura LLC announces that after more than 17 years leading the company, Brian Hutton, President, has decided to retire effective August 18, 2023.  Brian has served in his current role since June 2012, and prior to that, as General Manager since joining the joint venture on January 1, 2006.  Brian has spent his entire ~ 40-year professional career in various roles in the Material Handling and Packaging Equipment industries.   During Brian’s tenure he has provided a leadership role in helping the company substantially grow their installed base of robotic palletizers.  In the process Brian has served as a champion for establishing new strategic alliances with suppliers and channel partners.  “Under Brian’s leadership Columbia/Okura has grown significantly and is a clear market leader for Robotic Palletizing Solutions in the Western Hemisphere.  Over the last 10 years Columbia/Okura has developed from a standalone palletizing solution provider to a large systems integrator, providing turnkey engineering and installation services for numerous multimillion dollar systems and integrated bagging lines.  This transformation has been accomplished while retaining a very high customer Net Promoter Score, all while generating record revenue and record profitability in recent years.  Brian has been a great colleague, valuable member of our Executive Team and a good friend to many of us”, said Rick Goode, CEO of Columbia Machine, Inc.   To provide ongoing continuity and executive leadership, Columbia/Okura is very pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Robinson to succeed Brian.  Fred has served in numerous leadership roles in robotics and factory automation and brings a strong background in equipment manufacturing.  Fred will take over day-to-day responsibilities as President of Columbia/Okura on July 1, 2023.   “We are grateful for the many dedicated years of service and steady leadership Brian has provided to Columbia/Okura.  We look forward to Fred continuing our growth for many years to come”, said Daisuke Okura, Executive Director of Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd.   About Columbia/Okura: Columbia/Okura LLC designs, builds, integrates, and commissions end of line robotic palletizing solutions for most major industries.  For over 27 years, Columbia/Okura has been a leading provider of robotic palletizing systems by delivering custom engineered solutions meeting demanding customer requirements.  Serving clients in agriculture, animal feed, seed, pet food, chemical, mineral, milling, food, building materials, and medical industries, Columbia/Okura provides a robotic palletizing solution to meet the needs of any application.  Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington Columbia/Okura is a joint venture of material handling leaders, Columbia Machine, Inc. and Okura USA, Inc.     For more information, visit www.columbiaokura.com.  

Vancouver, WA-July 2022, Columbia/Okura LLC marked the milestone of shipping our 1,000th robotic palletizer. We’ve designed and commissioned many successful palletizing systems, handling a massive range of products across dozens of industries worldwide. From bag palletizing systems in abusive and harsh environments to high-speed, multi-robot, multi-picking case applications, Columbia/Okura has handled almost any type of product packaging in virtually any application.   To celebrate the occasion and thank employees for their hard work, Columbia/Okura supplied lunch from Smokin' Oak, a local barbeque restaurant in Vancouver, WA. Over the past 26 years, our team has gathered for every one-hundred robot sold milestone, celebrating with lunch and a team photo with the robot. However, due to COVID-19, in-person celebrations have been canceled for the last milestones–900th systems sold–making this in-person celebration of 1,000 robots even better.   The 1,000th system will be sent to our customer in North Carolina, Cherry Farms Seed Co., with a unique crest on the arm to denote it is our 1,000th robot. The system includes the Ai1800 robot, sheet presenter, pallet dispenser, bag end-effector, bag infeed, station conveyor, and a gravity pickup conveyor. Our customer will also receive a framed copy of our staff photo with the system to commemorate the occasion.   About Columbia/Okura Columbia/Okura LLC designs, builds, integrates, and commissions end of line robotic palletizing solutions for most major industries. For over 25 years, Columbia/Okura has been a leading provider of robotic palletizing systems by delivering custom engineered solutions meeting demanding customer requirements. Serving clients in agriculture, animal feed, seed, pet food, chemical, mineral, milling, food, building materials, and medical industries, Columbia/Okura provides a robotic palletizing solution to meet the needs of any application. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington Columbia/Okura is a joint venture of material handling leaders, Columbia Machine, Inc. and Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd. For more information, visit www.columbiaokura.com.   Contact Natalie Parsons Marketing Manager natpar@colmac.com