Avon Rubber PLC
08 October 2007
Strictly embargoed until 13:30 Monday, 8 October 2007
Avon Rubber p.l.c.
('Avon', 'the Group' or 'the Company')
UK MIXING OPERATION
In May 2006 and again at our Interim Results announcement on 17 May 2007 we
referred to our continuing efforts to eliminate losses in Avon Mixing, Westbury.
Despite significant operational improvements and cost savings we have continued
to incur unacceptable losses in this business. Having explored all other options
to address this unsustainable situation, Avon has now appointed advisors who are
actively committed to selling Avon Mixing on our behalf. However, should the
efforts to sell the Avon Mixing business prove unsuccessful the Company's
intention is to close this facility.
Avon remains committed to being a world class materials specialist of polymer
based products. In the UK we retain our extensive knowledge, skills and
experience of rubber compounding through our Materials Development Centre in
Westbury and through our manufacturing excellence at the Hampton Park West
production plant in Melksham.
Commenting on the decision, Terry Stead, Chief Executive of Avon Rubber said:
'The Group's strategy is to continue developing a strong market position with a
balanced portfolio of businesses in the sectors of protection, engineered
fabrications, and dairy. All of these businesses have been previously identified
and are well positioned for growth.'
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For further enquiries, please contact:
Avon Rubber p.l.c. 01225 896871
Fiona Stewart, Local/Trade Press
Weber Shandwick Financial 020 7067 0700
Richard Hews
Rachel Martin
Hannah Marwood
NOTES TO EDITORS: Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international polymer engineering
group adding value through material, manufacturing and industry sector
expertise. The Group is currently capitalised at approximately £54 million. Avon
supplies a range of advanced CBRN respiratory protection solutions through Avon
Protection Systems Inc. to the world's military and police forces, as well as
first responders and emergency services. Avon Rubber p.l.c. owns Avon-ISI, which
designs, develops and manufactures a range of SCBA equipment for fire, rescue
and law enforcement, as well as military applications. Avon Rubber p.l.c. also
owns Avon Engineered Fabrications manufacturing products including hovercraft
skirting and flexible storage tanks, an aerosol gasket business and a world
leading dairy business manufacturing dairy liners and tubing
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange