Digging Deeper - October 2023 - Akkerman

Digging Deeper – October 2023

Akkerman Inc.

Digging Deeper – October 2023

Kaw Lake Water Supply

Design Engineer: Super Excavators, Inc.
Location: Enid, OK
Ground Conditions: Hard rock with high hydrostatic water head
Type of Installation: Slurry Microtunneling
Material: 72-in Steel Casing
Footage Installation: 510-lf
Equipment: Akkerman SL74P MTBM System, AZ-100 Total Guidance System, Akkerman 800-ton MT jacking frame, Akkerman High-Pressure pit seal & pipe clamp

The 100-ft deep water intake tunnel was the last 510-ft remaining of a 70-mile fresh water expansion project to supply fresh water to over 50,000 residents of Enid, Oklahoma. Designed as an underwater retrieval, the equipment included High-Pressure shaft seals. HD cutterhead, and bulkheads for under water retrieval.


Staff Highlight

Tim Fay began at Akkerman as an intern for several years before his full-time employment as a project engineer began on June 9, 2008. Today he is Chief Engineer – Mechanical Design. Tim was nominated by his peers for being dedicated, efficient and a leader. Tim was also the April 2022 Employee of the Month.

Nominated because:

“Tim works efficiently and effectively every day. He is always willing to help solve a problem or put in extra effort when needed.”

“Tim recently returned to the Pawtucket project, after just being there to commission the SL100P, to provide reassurance to the customer that the cutter head bolted joint was repaired properly and completely.”

Admirable Qualities:

  • Dedicated
  • Efficient
  • Leader

5th Akkiversary

Mike Graff began his employment with Akkerman on October 8, 2018, as a painter/ finishing employee and is now a machinist celebrating five years in the Akkerman fold.

Mike set out after high school to become a mason. He completed the masonry certificate program at Riverland Community College and began working in construction for several years. For more consistency in his work schedule, he decided to pursue food manufacturing with Austin Packaging Company (later Bellisio Foods), where he was a machine operator and lead for a decade. After Bellisio Foods repositioned their company, Mike temporarily returned to construction on several local large-scale projects for Gleason Construction before coming to Akkerman.

Referred by a former employee, Justin hired Mike for an opening in painting and finishing under Jeff Hall. Noticing Mike’s ambition, Aron recruited him as a manual machinist. After some time, with mentoring by Jason, Aron, Matt, and Jeremy, he transferred to the Mazak 535 CNC machining center. When asked how he feels about his new career path, he responds, “Each day is different– with new opportunities.” For Mike, the best part is setting up a new part and writing the documentation for the next run.

Opportunity for workforce development and growth is one of the qualities that Mike has admired most about our culture. He says, “Our managers take note when employees show growth potential.” He’s also noticed a mutual sense of respect and value for each employee’s part in what we do. Mike also appreciates the flexibility that is afforded, promoting a family positive environment.

In the summer, you’ll find Mike, his wife Amanda, daughter Ellen (15), son Ezra (8), and Mr. Bojangles ‘Bo’ (the family’s Labradoodle) camping and fishing at their seasonal spot near Whitewater State Park in Elba, MN. Like a handful of other employees, he anticipates an annual Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip. Year-round, they also visit Mike’s extended family in all corners of the U.S. During the school year, Mike is a ‘Dance Dad’ to Ellen and Ezra’s biggest soccer fan.


Microtunneling in Dubuque, IA

We supported Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. (ECI) on their microtunneling project in Dubuque, IA. Using an SL44 with increase kit, the contractor installed a 320-ft. run of 51-in steel casing for a sanitary sewer line under eleven Canadian Pacific Railroad alongside Lower Bee Branch Creek. The tunnel was completed on August 1.