Thank You, Fred Yager: 49 Years of Craftsmanship, Dedication, and Heart

 

 

After nearly five decades of service, Troy Industrial Solutions bids a heartfelt thank you to Fred Yager, a manual machinist whose career reflects the very best of our company—skill, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.

When asked what comes to mind first when he reflects on his time at Troy, Fred doesn’t hesitate: “George Smith, by far—we were best buds. ”That sense of connection and camaraderie is a theme that runs throughout his 49-year career—one defined not just by the work, but by the people beside him.

Fred joined Troy in May of 1977, bringing with him hands-on experience from his time working as a mechanic at British Motorcycle Sales. In addition, Fred’s brother was a tool and die maker, and with that influence and his own experience, Fred learned to run a lathe and, by default, became a machinist. With additional training at Eutectic in Manhattan, he quickly found his path in machining. Over the years, he wore many hats, from machinist to metallizer, welder, and even foreman, a role he held from 1984 to 2013. At times, he was the only machinist in the shop, taking on critical rush jobs and handling everything from mechanical work to fabrication.

 

The shop itself was a different place when Fred began. “A lot of work,” he recalls. “Two or three nights a week, half days on Saturdays. There were no drives back then—everything was manual to change speeds.” It was an environment that demanded versatility, endurance, and deep technical understanding—qualities Fred came to embody throughout his career.

For Fred, being a manual machinist meant mastering complexity and embracing responsibility. “You can’t screw up,” he says. “If you do, you have to start all over again. You have to be meticulous—it’s time-consuming. You have to be on the ball all the time.” That attention to detail, combined with his ability to problem-solve and even design solutions from scratch, earned him a reputation as someone who could get the job done.

Outside the shop, Fred’s passion for mechanical work extended into the racing world. For 20 years, he served as crew chief alongside his close friend George, George’s wife Karen, and Jason, George’s son, working on race cars and building motors. They competed at tracks like Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Loudon, and the Poconos. Fred helped to maintain, repair, and rebuild George’s collection of race cars, including a 1982 Porsche RSR. Their favorite number was 27.  Fred’s favorite memory includes “finally beating Paul Newman. We took second place at the National Race in Lime Rock”. It’s a story that perfectly captures his competitive spirit, technical know-how, and his everlasting friendship with George and his family.

Still, when asked what meant the most over the years working at Troy, Fred comes back to the people. “Everybody worked hard. You learned from everyone you worked with, and everybody was always there for you when you needed them.” Whether it was long-time friendships, mentoring others, or simply starting the day with coffee and conversation, those relationships became the most meaningful part of his career. “I’ll miss the people,” he says—especially those everyday moments, like morning coffee with Billy Betts.

After nearly 50 years in the trade, Fred’s advice is simple and direct: “Take your time. Pay attention to detail. You can’t screw up.” He also emphasizes the importance of the customer, reminding the next generation to stay focused on quality and service above all else.

As Fred steps into retirement, he’s not slowing down—just shifting gears. He’s looking forward to restoring his Corvette and his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, continuing to work with his hands in a new and personal way.

When asked how retirement feels, Fred answers with a smile: “Undecided—am I retired or just taking a leave of absence for the summer?” One thing is certain—his impact on Troy Industrial Solutions is lasting. His craftsmanship, work ethic, and dedication have helped shape the Watervliet shop and the people in it. Fred leaves his coworkers with one final message: “Do the best you can—Troy will still be here.”

And thanks in no small part to people like Fred, it will be. Congratulations Fred, you will be missed but not forgotten.