“In the Tubular Products Group, markets have been slower than expected,” Dunham continued. “We now expect sales volume in the first quarter for this Group to be at approximately the same level as the fourth quarter of 2004. Looking ahead, however, demand has increased each month throughout the quarter and we expect this trend to continue into the second quarter of the year.”

Among major recent orders were:

• Northwest Pipe will supply about 15,000 feet of 72-inch diameter steel pipe. The pipe is expected to be manufactured in the company's Adelanto, CA, division with delivery scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2005.

• The company has been awarded a contract to manufacture and furnish approximately $23 million of welded steel pipe to East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District (ECCV) in Aurora, CO. The pipe is for the Northern Water Supply project.

• Northwest Pipe will supply about 164,000 feet of 48-inch diameter steel pipe. The pipe is expected to be manufactured in Denver, beginning in the second quarter of 2005 with completion before the end of the year.

• The company received a letter of intent to supply approximately $9 million of welded steel pipe to AUI Inc. of Albuquerque, NM. The pipe is for the San Juan Chama Pipeline project for the City of Albuquerque.