1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 5 day of February, 1997, by and
between Aqua-Chem, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Rand
McNally (the "Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Executive has been employed by the Company as the
Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Company's Cleaver-Brooks
Division; and

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive in his
capacity as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Cleaver-Brooks
Division and Executive desires to continue to serve in such capacity; and

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

         1.       DEFINITIONS.

         Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter
of the word is capitalized:

         (a)      "Agreement" means this Employment Agreement.

         (b)      "Base Salary" means the salary of record paid to the Executive
                  as annual salary as set forth on Schedule A, excluding amounts
                  received under incentive or other bonus plans, whether or not
                  deferred.

         (c)      "Beneficiary" means the persons or entities designated or
                  deemed designated by the Executive pursuant to Section 11
                  herein.

         (d)      "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         (e)      "Cause" means any of the following as determined by the
                  Committee in the exercise of good faith and reasonable
                  judgment (i) the willful and continued refusal by the
                  Executive to perform his duties hereunder, other than by
                  reasons of health, after a written demand for such performance
                  is delivered to the Executive by the Company that identifies
                  the manner in which the Executive has refused to perform his
                  duties, (ii) the commission of an act by the Executive
                  constituting a felony under state or federal law, (iii) the
                  habitual abuse by the Executive of any substance (such as
                  narcotics or alcohol) which materially affects his ability to
                  perform his duties, or (iv) the Executive's engaging in an act
                  of fraud, dishonesty or gross misconduct in connection with
                  the business of the Company, or (v) conduct by the Executive
                  constituting a material breach of this Agreement.


                                        1

   2

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


         (f)      "Change In Control" means (a) the consummation of a merger or
                  consolidation of the Company after which a Third Party (as
                  hereinafter defined) owns more than 50% of the outstanding
                  common stock of the Company or (b) a sale of the Division (as
                  hereinafter defined) or substantially all of the assets of the
                  Company to a Third Party or (c) a sale or other transfer to a
                  Third Party of more than 50% of the common stock of the
                  Company.

         (g)      "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

         (h)      "Company" means Aqua-Chem, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

         (i)      "Division" means the Cleaver-Brooks Division of the Company.

         (j)      "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement is executed on
                  behalf of the Company.

         (k)      "Effective Date of Termination" means the date on which a
                  termination of the Executive's employment occurs for any
                  reason whatsoever.

         (l)      "Executive" means Rand McNally.

         (m)      "Good Reason" means, without the Executive's consent, the
                  occurrence of any one or more of the following:

                  (i)      the reassignment of the Executive to duties
                           materially inconsistent with the Executive's present
                           authorities, duties, responsibilities, and status as
                           an officer of the Company, other than an act that is
                           remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of
                           written notice thereof given by the Executive, and
                           other than a promotion of the Executive to a position
                           accepted by the Executive which includes duties,
                           responsibilities, and status associated with the
                           position; or

                  (ii)     a reduction by the Company of the Executive's Base
                           Salary as in effect on the Effective Date (other than
                           a reduction as part of an overall reduction in
                           compensation affecting all senior management of the
                           Company) or the exclusion of the Executive by the
                           Company from such incentive compensation programs as
                           the Company may, from time to time, make available to
                           the senior management of the Company.
         (n)      "Permanent Disability" shall have the meaning set forth in
                   the Company's long-term disability program as in effect from
                   time to time.

         (o)      "Third Party" means any person(s) and/or business
                  organization(s) of any type other than the present
                  shareholders of the Company and their affiliates.

                                        2

   3

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


         2.       EMPLOYMENT TERM.

         The employment term shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall
continue thereafter until the earlier of (i) 45 days after Executive's receipt
of written notice from the Company terminating employment pursuant to Section
6(b) of this Agreement; (ii) immediately upon Executive's receipt of written
notice terminating employment pursuant to Section 6(a) of this Agreement; (iii)
such date as the Company shall elect up to a maximum of 45 days after its
receipt of written notice from the Executive terminating employment pursuant to
Section 6(b) or 6(c) of this Agreement; or (iv) the Executive's death or
Permanent Disability.

          3.      DUTIES.

         During the employment term, the Executive shall serve as Executive Vice
President and General Manager of the Cleaver-Brooks Division with such duties
and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned or delegated to him from time
to time according to customary Company procedures. During his employment term,
the Executive shall devote his full time to the faithful and diligent
performance of his duties for the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to
the contrary, nothing shall preclude the Executive from engaging in charitable
and community affairs and managing his personal investments so long as such
activities do not interfere with his carrying out his duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement.

         4.       COMPENSATION.

                  (a)      BASE SALARY. During the employment term, the
                           Executive shall be paid by the Company a Base Salary
                           payable (after deduction of applicable taxes) in
                           accordance with the payroll practices of the
                           Company. Initially, the Base Salary shall be as set
                           forth on Schedule A attached hereto. It is agreed
                           between the parties that the Company shall review
                           the Base Salary annually and in light of such review
                           may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, adjust
                           such Base Salary taking into account any change in
                           the Executive's then responsibilities, increases in
                           the cost of living, performance of the Executive,
                           and other pertinent factors.

                  (b)      INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The Executive shall, during
                           the employment term, be eligible to participate in
                           such incentive compensation programs as the Company
                           may, from time to time, make available to its senior
                           executives.

         5.       OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

                  (a)      BENEFIT PLANS. During the employment term, the
                           Executive shall be entitled to participate in all
                           employee benefit programs as the Company, from time
                           to time, makes available to the Company's senior
                           executives, including, without limitation, medical,
                           disability and life insurance, and retirement

                                        3

   4


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                           plans. The Executive shall be provided with the use
                           of a leased car at the Company's expense and shall be
                           entitled to such other perquisites set forth on
                           Schedule A.

                  (b)      VACATION. The Executive shall be entitled to
                           reasonable paid annual vacation periods in accordance
                           with the Company's policies as in effect from time to
                           time, but in no event shall such vacation period be
                           less than that set forth on Schedule A attached
                           hereto.

                  (c)      REGULAR REIMBURSED BUSINESS EXPENSES. The Company
                           shall reimburse the Executive for all travel and
                           other expenses reasonably incurred by the Executive
                           in the performance of his duties during the
                           employment term, in accordance with the Company's
                           policies in effect from time to time.

         6.       TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a)      TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE. In the event
                           the Executive's employment is terminated by the
                           Company for Cause, the Executive shall be entitled to
                           his then current Base Salary through the Effective
                           Date of Termination.

                  (b)      TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY THE
                           EXECUTIVE WITH GOOD REASON. In the event the
                           Executive's employment is terminated by the Company
                           without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason,
                           then upon complying with the provisions of Section
                           6(f) of this Agreement, but only upon such
                           compliance, the Executive shall be entitled to the
                           following:

                           (i)      SEVERANCE PAY. For a period of twelve (12)
                                    months following the Effective Date of
                                    Termination, the Executive shall continue to
                                    be paid his then current Base Salary in
                                    accordance with the Company's normal payroll
                                    practices and subject to withholding as
                                    required by law; provided, however, that if
                                    at the end of such 12 month period the
                                    Executive, despite continuing good faith and
                                    reasonable efforts, has been unable to
                                    obtain employment (including
                                    self-employment), the Executive's Base
                                    Salary will be continued until he obtains
                                    employment (including self-employment) for
                                    up to an additional six (6) months;

                            (ii)    INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The Executive shall
                                    be paid an amount equal to the amount, if
                                    any, which the Executive would have been
                                    entitled to receive pursuant to any
                                    incentive compensation plan in effect for
                                    the year during which the Effective Date of
                                    Termination occurred multiplied by a
                                    fraction, the numerator of which is the

                                        4

   5

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                                    number of complete months the Executive was
                                    employed during such year and the
                                    denominator of which is twelve (12), with
                                    such amount subject to withholding as
                                    required by law to be paid at such time as
                                    such payments are made to the other
                                    executives of the Company;

                           (iii)    HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE. If the
                                    Executive exercises his COBRA rights with
                                    respect to medical and dental insurance, the
                                    Executive shall be entitled to receive such
                                    coverage for the 12 month period following
                                    the Effective Date of Termination (or, up to
                                    18 months if the Executive has been unable
                                    to obtain employment or become
                                    self-employed) at a cost equal to the amount
                                    paid by then current employees of the
                                    Company for such coverage;

                           (iv)     OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES. The Executive shall
                                    be furnished with outplacement services for
                                    a period of up to 12 months paid for by the
                                    Company with such firm as the Company then
                                    utilizes for such purposes; and

                           (v)      COMPANY AUTOMOBILE. The Executive shall be
                                    permitted to use his leased Company
                                    automobile for 45 days following the
                                    Effective Date of Termination and during
                                    such period, shall have the right to
                                    purchase such car from the leasing company
                                    at the price specified in the lease.

                           In the event the Executive does not comply with the
                           provisions of Section 6(f) of this Agreement, the
                           Executive shall be entitled to his then current Base
                           Salary through the Effective Date of Termination.

                  (c)      VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY THE EXECUTIVE. In the event
                           of a termination of the Executive's employment by the
                           Executive on his own initiative other than for Good
                           Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to his then
                           current Base Salary through the Effective Date of
                           Termination.

                  (d)      DEATH OR PERMANENT DISABILITY OF THE EXECUTIVE. The
                           employment term shall terminate without notice and
                           automatically upon the death or Permanent Disability
                           of Executive. Upon the termination of Executive's
                           employment by reason of death or Permanent
                           Disability, the Executive or, in the event of his
                           death, the Executive's Beneficiary shall be entitled
                           to receive the Executive's then current Base Salary
                           through the Effective Date of Termination and
                           incentive compensation determined in accordance with
                           Section 6 (b)(ii) of this Agreement.


                                        5

   6


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                  (e)      BENEFITS. Except as and to the extent specifically
                           provided to the contrary in this Section 6 or in
                           Schedule A attached hereto, the Executive's
                           compensation and eligibility to participate in
                           programs or receive benefits provided by the Company
                           (other than those which have vested by virtue of
                           Executive's prior employment) shall terminate on the
                           Effective Date of Termination.

                  (f)      RELEASE. As condition precedents to receiving the
                           severance benefits described in Section 6(b) of this
                           Agreement: (i) the Executive shall, within 30 days
                           after the Effective Date of Termination, execute a
                           Release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
                           (ii) the Executive shall not have revoked the Release
                           within the seven day revocation period provided by
                           the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.

         7.     RESTRICTIONS.

                  (a)      The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
                           Division's business is by its nature international,
                           the Company's business and customer contacts have
                           been established and maintained at great expense, the
                           Executive, by virtue of his position with the
                           Company, has and will continue to be privy to the
                           Company's most confidential business plans and
                           strategies which, without the restrictions
                           hereinafter set forth, would enable the Executive to
                           compete unfairly with the Company and, accordingly,
                           such restrictions are reasonable and necessary to
                           protect the legitimate interests of the Company. As a
                           result, and in order to induce the Company to enter
                           into this Agreement and to provide the benefits
                           described in this Agreement, the Executive agrees to
                           the restrictions set forth in Section 7 and
                           simultaneous with the execution of this Agreement is
                           entering into the Employee Confidentiality and
                           Proprietary Information Agreement attached hereto as
                           Exhibit B.

                  (b)      The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that at no
                           time during the employment term and for a period of
                           twelve (12) months following the Effective Date of
                           Termination will the Executive directly or indirectly
                           in any capacity whatsoever (whether as an employee,
                           officer, director, consultant, partner, member, joint
                           venturer, agent, representative or otherwise) provide
                           service, advice or assistance of any nature to or
                           acquire an ownership interest in (or acquire the
                           right to acquire an ownership interest in) a
                           Competing Business (as hereinafter defined). A
                           "Competing Business" shall mean and be limited to any
                           business, regardless of the form of organization,
                           which (i) is engaged in the design, manufacture
                           and/or sale of products which are similar in design
                           or function to and otherwise compete with the
                           products which were under design by the Division or
                           included in the Division's product lines during the
                           twelve month period preceding the Effective Date of

                                        6

   7

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                           Termination (hereinafter referred to as "Competing
                           Products") and which (ii) sells, attempts to sell or
                           markets (or during the twelve month period preceding
                           the Effective Date of Termination sold, attempted to
                           sell or marketed) any Competing Products within the
                           United States and/or any foreign country within
                           which, during the twelve (12) month period preceding
                           the Effective Date of Termination, the Division sold
                           any of its products (or was a party to an executory
                           contract for the sale of any of its products),
                           attempted to sell, or marketed any of its products
                           other than by means of general advertising.
                           Notwithstanding the preceding, the Executive shall
                           not be prohibited from (i) acquiring less than five
                           percent (5%) of the stock of any publicly traded
                           company which may be engaged in a Competing Business,
                           or (ii) being employed by or otherwise providing
                           services to a company which, among its various
                           businesses, is engaged in a Competing Business
                           provided that the Executive is not directly or
                           indirectly involved in any capacity whatsoever in
                           such Competing Business.

                  (c)      The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, at
                           all times during the employment term and for a period
                           of twelve (12) months following the Effective Date of
                           Termination, the Executive shall not directly or
                           indirectly, on behalf of himself or any other person,
                           entity, or business, employ or engage the services of
                           or seek to employ or engage the services of any
                           person employed by the Division or any agent who
                           represents the Division during the period of six
                           months prior to the Effective Date of Termination, or
                           otherwise encourage or entice any such person to
                           terminate or diminish their relationship with the
                           Division.

                  (d)      The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees (i) the
                           Executive's education and experience are such that
                           the foregoing restrictions will not unduly interfere
                           with his ability to earn a livelihood, (ii) the
                           Company would suffer irreparable harm in the event of
                           a violation of such restrictions, and (iii)
                           accordingly, in addition to any other remedies
                           available to it, the Company shall be entitled to
                           injunctive relief without the posting of bond or
                           other collateral and the Executive shall not oppose
                           the granting of such relief. The Company shall be
                           entitled to all costs, including reasonable
                           attorneys' fees, in enforcing such restrictions or
                           pursuing damages for breach.

         8.       CHANGE IN CONTROL.

         In the event of a Change In Control, the Executive shall be eligible,
as hereinafter set forth, to receive from the Company (or its successor pursuant
to such Change In Control) a "Change In Control Bonus" as set forth in Schedule
A attached hereto. An amount equal to one-half of the Change In Control Bonus
shall be paid to the Executive on the date of the Change In Control if, but only
if, the Executive is either (i) then employed by the Company, or its successor
or (ii) his

                                        7

   8


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


employment was terminated within the 90 days preceding the date of the Change In
Control at the election of the Company for reasons other than "Cause" or by the
Executive for "Good Reason." The remaining one-half of the Change in Control
Bonus shall be paid to the Executive 180 days after the date of the Change In
Control if, but only if, the Executive is either (i) then employed by the
Company or its successor or (ii) his employment was terminated within the 180
day period following the date of the Change In Control at the election of the
Company (or its successor pursuant to such Change In Control) for reasons other
than "Cause" or by the Executive for "Good Reason."

         9.      ASSIGNABILITY; BINDING NATURE.

         This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and the
Executive and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of the Executive)
and permitted assigns. Except as specifically provided to the contrary in this
Agreement, no rights or obligations of the Company or Executive under the
Agreement may be assigned or transferred. Notwithstanding the preceding, the
rights and obligations of the Company may be assigned or transferred pursuant to
a Change In Control provided that such assignee or transferee assumes the
liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company, as contained in this
Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law.

         10.     BENEFICIARIES.

         The Executive may designate one or more persons or entities as the
primary and/or contingent Beneficiaries of any payments owing to the Executive
under this Agreement. Such designation must be in the form of a signed writing
reasonably acceptable to the Company. The Executive may make or change such
designation by a similar written instrument signed by the Executive and
delivered to the Company at any time.

         11.     ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

         This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Company and
the Executive and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, discussions,
negotiations and undertakings, whether written or oral, between them with
respect thereto.

         12.     AMENDMENT OR WAIVER.

         This Agreement cannot be changed, modified or amended without the prior
written consent of both the Executive and the Company. No waiver by either the
Company or the Executive at any time of any breach by the other party of any
condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of a similar
or dissimilar condition or provision at the same or at any prior or subsequent
time. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Executive and an
authorized officer of the Company, as the case may be.


                                        8

   9


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


         13.     SEVERABILITY.

         In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part,
the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall
remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

         14.     SURVIVORSHIP.

         The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall
survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the
intended preservation of such rights and obligations.

         15.     GOVERNING LAW.

         This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without reference to
principles of conflicts of laws.

         16.     NOTICES.

         Any notice given to either party shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given when delivered personally or sent by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to
the party concerned, if to the Company, at its principal office, and, if to the
Executive, at the address of the Executive shown on the Company's records, or at
such other address as such party may give notice of.

         17.     HEADINGS; CONSTRUCTION.

         The headings of the paragraphs contained in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.


                                            /s/ Rand McNally
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Rand McNally, Individually

                                           AQUA-CHEM, INC.


                                           By: /s/ Jeffrey A. Miller   2/10/97
                                             ---------------------------------- 
                                              Jeffrey A. Miller, President



                                                               December 13, 1996


                 
                                        9

   10
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                                   SCHEDULE A
                        Effective for Calendar Year 1997

Executive:              Rand E. McNally
Title:                  Executive Vice President and General Manager
Grade:                  31
Division:               Cleaver-Brooks Division

Base Salary:            $145,107
Effective Date:         11/24/94

Incentive Compensation:
Management Incentive Plan                     Target: 35% Salary Grade Mid-Point
Executive Management Incentive Plan           Target: 30% Salary Grade Mid-Point

Change in Control:                   An amount equal to one (1) times the
                                     annual base salary in effect at the time
                                     of change in control.
Other Employee Benefits:

         General:
                  -     Participation in all employee benefit programs as the
                         Company, from time-to-time, makes available to the
                         Company's senior executives.

         Life Insurance:

                  -     Universal Life Policy: $450,000 - Owned by the
                        Executive, paid by the Company

         Vacation:
                  -     Four (4) weeks/annually


         Company Automobile:

                  -     Lease vehicle per plan guidelines.

         Other:
                  -     Company paid membership at Northshore Country Club.
                                -        Includes cost of annual membership
                                         fees (qtrly minimums excluded)
                  -     Professional Association
                  -     Outplacement services will be provided for a period
                        of up to twelve (12) months paid for by the Company
                        at a firm of the Executive's choice provided the
                        maximum cost of such outplacement program does not
                        exceed $15,000.


 /s/ Rand McNally                                /s/ Jeffrey A. Miller  2/10/97
- ---------------------------------             ----------------------------------

Date: 2/14/97
    -----------


   11


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                                    Exhibit A

                                 GENERAL RELEASE

_______________________, (the "Executive"), for good and valuable consideration,
the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does hereby release and forever
discharge Aqua-Chem, Inc. ("Aqua-Chem") and all of its past, present and future
officers, directors, agents, employees, attorneys, shareholders, employee
benefit plans, divisions, parent corporations, subsidiary corporations,
affiliated corporations, successors and assigns (collectively the "Released
Parties") from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, suits, debts,
covenants, contracts, demands or liabilities of any kind or character
whatsoever, whether known or unknown, which the Executive has had or now has
against the Released Parties (or any of them) related to anything occurring
prior to or on the present date.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this release applies to any
claims, causes of action, demands or liabilities the Executive may have had or
now has:

1.       Under or pursuant to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as
         amended.

2.       Under or pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
         amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Wisconsin Fair Employment
         Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, or any
         other federal, state or local statute or regulation relating to
         employment.

3.       For libel, slander, defamation, damage to reputation, intentional or
         negligent infliction of emotional distress, tortious interference with
         the employment or business relationship or other tortious conduct or
         for wrongful discharge or breach of contract whether express or
         implied.

4.       Regarding any right which the Executive might have to current or future
         employment with Aqua-Chem, its divisions or affiliated companies, and
         the Executive affirms that he will not seek employment in the future
         with Aqua-Chem, its divisions or affiliated companies.

The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised in writing (1) to consult
with an attorney prior to executing this General Release, and (2) that he had at
least twenty-one (21) days to consider this General Release prior to executing
it.

For a period of seven (7) days following the execution of this General Release,
the Executive shall have the right to revoke this General Release, and this
General Release shall not become effective or enforceable until seven (7) days
following such execution.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this General Release this ____
day of _______________, 199__.


                                            ------------------------------------


   12

                               [AQUA-CHEM LOGO]


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


           EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT

                    STATEMENT OF SUFFICIENCY OF CONSIDERATION


         The attached Employee Confidential and Proprietary Information
Agreement is being signed contemporaneously with the execution of an employment
agreement between the company and myself. I acknowledge and agree that the
mutual considerations and promises contained in the employment agreement
constitute due and sufficient consideration to support the obligations contained
in the Employee Confidential and Proprietary Information Agreement. I understand
that by executing this document, I acknowledge the sufficiency of such
consideration.


                                                   /s/ Rand McNally
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Employee Signature
                                                  (Include first name in full)

                                                  Date  2-5-97
                                                      --------------------------
Witness:

 /s/ Jeffrey A. Miller
- ----------------------------



   13

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                               (AQUA-CHEM LOGO)

           EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT

Name        Rand McNally                       Social Security No. ###-##-####
    --------------------------------------                        --------------
Place      Milwaukee, WI                       Date   2-5-97
     -------------------------------------         -----------------------------

     In consideration of my employment in any capacity and of the salary or
wages paid for my services in the course of employment by Aqua-Chem, Inc., or a
Division of Aqua-Chem, Inc., or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aqua-Chem, Inc., or
any corporation owned or controlled by Aqua-Chem, Inc., hereinafter called
COMPANY, I agree as follows:

   1.  I agree that from the time of entering the COMPANY's employ until one
year after termination of my employment, I will promptly communicate to an
official of the COMPANY and/or such other persons as may be designated by the
COMPANY from time to time, all significant technical or business innovations and
all inventions, whether patentable or unpatentable, made or conceived by me
alone or jointly with others, capable of use in connection with the business,
work or investigations of the COMPANY or resulting from or suggested by any work
which I may do for or on behalf of the COMPANY, or at its request, and
improvements thereon, or inventions and innovations made on company time or with
company materials, and I agree to assign, and by these presents do hereby
assign, all of my right, title and interest in and to such inventions and
innovations to the COMPANY, and I agree upon request to execute specific
assignments to the COMPANY of such inventions and innovations, together with all
rights thereunder in the United States and all foreign countries, and I will
execute all papers and perform all other lawful acts which the COMPANY or its
nominees deems necessary or advisable, for the preparation, filing, prosecution
and maintenance of patent applications and/or patents of the United States and
foreign countries and for the transfer of any and all interests therein to the
COMPANY including the execution of original, divisional, continuing, extended
and reissue applications, preliminary statements, affidavits, and concessions
and the giving of testimony with respect to inventions, discoveries,
applications and patents and otherwise assist the COMPANY or its nominees in
every proper way to obtain for its benefit patents, copyrights or other legal
protection for such inventions or innovations or for publications pertaining to
them in any and all countries, said inventions and innovations to be the
exclusive property of the COMPANY or its nominees, whether or not patented or
copyrighted. It is understood that all expenses in connection with carrying on
any of the above are to be borne by the COMPANY.

   2.  I further agree to make and maintain adequate and current written
records of all such inventions and innovations in the form of notes, sketches,
drawings, or reports relating thereto, which records shall be and remain the
property of and available to the COMPANY at all times; and, upon any termination
of my employment, promptly to deliver to the COMPANY all drawings, blueprints,
manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, models, computer programs, data and
disks, and other materials (including all copies) which are of a secret or
confidential nature relating to the business of the COMPANY or its affiliates,
and which are in my possession or under my control.

   3.  I hereby acknowledge that certain techniques, manufacturing equipment
and processes have been developed by the COMPANY which have achieved the status
of trade secrets, and that additional trade secrets may be developed during the
course of my employment; and I agree that I will not, without written approval
by the COMPANY, publish or otherwise disclose or authorize anyone else to
publish or disclose, or use to the detriment of the COMPANY, either during the
term of my employment or thereafter, any information, knowledge, or data of the
COMPANY or its customers, vendors or any other third party with whom the COMPANY
conducts business which I may receive or develop during the course of my
employment relating to inventions, discoveries, formulas, processes, machines,
manufacturers, compositions, computer programs, accounting methods, information
systems or business or financial plans or reports, marketing strategies, pricing
information, customer lists, prospective customer lists, or other matters which
are of a secret or confidential nature acquired in the course of my employment
under this Agreement or heretofore with any company controlled by Aqua-Chem,
Inc.

   4.  I represent that except as I have written on the reverse side of this
Agreement, I do not have (1) any agreement with or obligation to others in
conflict with this Agreement, and (2) any claim in any invention or idea either
(a) conceived by me or by me and others prior to my employment with the COMPANY
or (b) otherwise outside the scope of this Agreement and in the absence of any
such writing on the reverse side of this Agreement, the COMPANY may assume that
no such conflicting agreements or inventions or ideas exist, and that I will not
make any claim against the COMPANY with respect to the use of such inventions or
ideas in any work or the product of any work which I perform or cause to be
performed for or on behalf of the COMPANY. I understand that the COMPANY wants
me to use on my job all the information which is generally known and used by
persons of my training and experience and all information which is common
knowledge in the industry, but it does not want me to disclose any confidential
information belonging to any former employer of mine which I am legally or
ethically bound not to disclose.

   5.  I understand and agree that the obligations contained herein are
continuing and further agree that in the event my employment is terminated for
any reason, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, I shall continue to be
obligated under this Agreement not to use or disclose confidential or trade
secret information following the termination of my employment. I understand and
agree that the restrictions set forth in this Agreement shall have the following
duration: (1) with respect to trade secret information, the restrictions shall

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.4

remain in effect for as long as such information remains a trade secret; (2)
with respect to all other information identified herein as being confidential
information, the restrictions shall remain in effect for a period of two (2)
years following the termination of my employment.

   6.  I agree that the discharge of my undertakings in this Agreement shall be
an obligation of my executors, administrators, or other legal representatives or
assigns. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the
State of Wisconsin.

   7.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In the event of a violation of this Agreement, I agree that
the COMPANY shall be entitled, as a matter of right, in addition to other
remedies otherwise available to it, to injunctive relief restraining any further
violation of this Agreement, and to all costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, incurred in enforcing this Agreement or pursuing damages for breach.

   8.  Finally, I agree that this Agreement supersedes and replaces any
existing agreement which I have entered into with the COMPANY relating generally
to the same subject matter, and it may not, on behalf of or in respect to the
COMPANY be changed or modified, or released, discharged, abandoned or otherwise
terminated, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by an
officer or authorized representative of the COMPANY.

(Signed) /s/ Rand McNally
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         (Employee's signature - to include first name in full)

(Date)   2-5-97
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                     (To be written by employee)

Witness  /s/  J. A. Miller
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Date:    2-10-97
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