AGM Statement

Avon Rubber PLC
22 January 2004



For Immediate Release
22 January 2004



                               Avon Rubber p.l.c.

                          CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR AGM

Trading in the first quarter continued the pattern of previous months with
stronger sales in Technical Products compensating for weaker sales in European
automotive. North American automotive sales were slightly better than expected
but below those of the equivalent quarter in the previous year which benefited
from a substantial short-term project. While the Euro:Pound exchange rate has
remained relatively stable the weaker US dollar continues to have an adverse
effect on translation of results.

The strong oil price and tight supply positions for some raw materials have
limited opportunities to reduce supply costs by taking advantage of currency
movements. We have, however, secured supplies of materials at reasonable prices
for the balance of the year.

A number of new customer programmes were launched during the first quarter with
further launches planned in the period up to the half year. These will enhance
sales and profit during the second half as will increased deliveries of coolant
hose from our Orizaba plant in Mexico. We are pleased to report that our project
to supply new generation military respirators continues on plan.

Excluding the impact of currency movements and the contribution in 2003 from the
specific project in North America, it is expected that profitability for the
first half of this financial year will be broadly similar to the figure for the
equivalent period last year. We anticipate that progress will again be achieved
for the year as a whole.

                                    - Ends -

For further enquiries, please contact:

Weber Shandwick Square Mile
Richard Hews and Rachel Taylor                                   020 7067 0700

Avon Rubber p.l.c
Jayne Hunt, Group Communications Executive                        01225 861169






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