Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. Press Release (March 20, 2006): Hitachi New Northeast Regional Sales Manager Hitachi Maxco, Ltd. is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Chuck Briere as our “Northeast Regional Sales Manager” which includes our New England, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Eastern Canada sales territories. The position reports to the Vice President, Industrial Chain Division. Mr. Briere has more than 20 years experience in technical sales, marketing and management across multiple organizations/industries. Most recently Mr. Briere has spent the past 13 years as a key account manager with a leading independent distributor in the New England area. Prior to that, he spent 13 years as a district sales manager for a competitive industrial chain manufacturer. Mr. Briere is also a retired Colonel with the United States Army Reserve. We expect that Mr. Briere will strengthen our field sales group, particularly in the New England area with his experience and leadership skills. End of Release