In 2026, NEFF Automation proudly celebrates 100 years in business, a milestone that reflects a century of innovation, trusted partnerships, and commitment to industrial progress. From humble beginnings to a leading automation distributor, NEFF’s story is one of continuous evolution driven by people, technology, and customer success.
A Century of Progress
1926 – The Beginning
NEFF’s journey began in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when Harry A. Neff founded Neff Engineering Company. Starting as a manufacturers’ representative focused on fluid power products, Harry built the company on technical expertise, integrity, and strong customer relationships — principles that remain core to NEFF Automation today.
1950s – Growth and Expansion
As industrial automation gained momentum, NEFF expanded both its product offerings and geographic footprint. New offices opened across the Midwest, and the company transitioned further into automation distribution, supporting manufacturers with emerging technologies and engineering know-how.
1972 – Second Generation Leadership
Leadership passed to Jack and Tom Neff, who continued to expand NEFF’s reach while strengthening its reputation as a trusted automation partner. Their focus on long-term relationships and technical excellence fueled steady growth through the following decades.
1980s – Building a Scalable Future
Strategic structural changes in the 1980s helped position the company for sustainable growth across multiple regions. These changes laid the groundwork for future collaboration, consistency, and operational strength.
1996 – Third Generation Takes the Helm
The third generation of Neff family leadership brought renewed focus on innovation, operational alignment, and customer value. This era culminated in the formation of Neff Group Distributors, Inc. in 2010, unifying the organization and strengthening its ability to serve customers nationwide. Finally in 2014, NEFF continued to grow through strategic expansion in the Northeast, adding new locations and capabilities that broadened its engineering services and market reach.
2017 – One Unified Brand
In 2017, the company consolidated its operations under a single name — NEFF Automation. This unified brand reflected what the company had become: a full-service industrial automation distributor offering products, engineering, and solutions to support modern manufacturing.
2026 – A Centennial Milestone
Today, NEFF Automation stands as a fourth-generation, family-owned company serving customers across the country. Reaching 100 years is not just a celebration of longevity — it’s a testament to adaptability, partnership, and the people who continue to move NEFF forward.
Looking Ahead
While we honor our past, NEFF Automation remains focused on the future — embracing new technologies, advancing automation solutions, and continuing to support customers as manufacturing evolves. The next century will be shaped by the same values that built the first: innovation, expertise, and trust.
Thank you to our customers, partners, and employees who have been part of this journey. We look forward to what’s next.