Northwest Pipe Company Announces Management Change

PORTLAND, OR -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 21, 2006 -- Northwest Pipe Company (NASDAQ: NWPX) announced today that Terry Mitchell, Senior Vice President, has decided to resign from the Company to pursue other business and personal interests. His resignation is effective December 31, 2006. Mr. Mitchell joined the Company in 1985 and has led the Company's Tubular Products Group for the past several years. His duties will be assumed by other staff members. The Company does not have plans to replace this position at this time.

"Terry has been an instrumental part of the restructuring of the Tubular Products Group," said Brian W. Dunham, chief executive officer. "He has led the Group through difficult times and is leaving us with a solid organization with a good future. It has been my pleasure to work with Terry and I thank him for all his contributions. All of us at Northwest Pipe wish him well in his future endeavors."

Northwest Pipe Company manufactures welded steel pipe in three business segments. Its Water Transmission Group is a leading supplier of large diameter, high-pressure steel pipe products that are used primarily for water infrastructure in North America. Its Tubular Products Group manufactures smaller diameter steel pipe for a wide range of construction, agricultural, energy, industrial and mechanical applications. Its Fabricated Products Group manufactures propane tanks and other fabricated products. The Company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has nine manufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico.

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current views and estimates of market circumstances, industry conditions and Company performance. Actual results could vary materially from the description contained herein due to many factors including market demand, operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials, and other risks described from time to time in the Company's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact Information: For more information, contact: Brian Dunham 503-946-1200