For Immediate Release

RICK ZAVITZ JOINS SALES AND MARKETING TEAM

Brownsdale, MN – July 13, 2010 - Akkerman Inc. recently appointed Rick Zavitz to the position of area sales manager for the North American and Canadian markets.

Zavitz’s affinity for the trenchless industry situates him as a valuable asset to the Akkerman Sales and Marketing team. With a collective 17+ years of expertise in lubrication products, slurry separation, mud mixing and directional drill manufacturing, Zavitz brings with him many years of established relationships within the trenchless market. Formerly of Wyo-Ben Inc., Zavitz spent 10-years as a technical sales engineer in Billing, MT. Prior to this, Zavitz established dealer networks in the North America region for Surface to Surface Inc., manufacturer of slurry separation, mud mixing and cleaning equipment. Preceding this, he sold locating and directional drilling equipment for Trenchless Utility Equipment Inc., also of Ontario.

Regarding his recent appointment, Zavitz states, “I feel very fortunate to be in a position to further the relationships that I have developed in this industry, many of whom are common Akkerman customers, as well as the opportunity to form new ties.”

Zavitz’s many personal interests include hunting, fishing woodworking as well as refereeing youth and high school soccer. Originally from London, Ontario, Zavitz, his wife Beth, and their two sons, Jacob and Emmet have resided in Billings, MT for the past 8- years. Zavitz will remotely operate from his home in Billings.

Since 1973, Akkerman Inc. manufactures distinctive microtunneling, pipejacking, guided boring and earth pressure balance equipment. We attribute Akkerman Inc.'s reputation for superior reliability and responsive service to our team of experienced engineers, field technicians and our extensive parts department.

Contact Rick at rzavitz@akkerman.com or 800.533.0386 ext. 178.