FDA approval

Hardide PLC 20 September 2007 Press Release 20 September 2007 Hardide plc ('Hardide' or 'the Company' or 'the Group') Hardide approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Food Processing Hardide plc (AIM:HDD), the provider of unique surface engineering technology, is pleased to announce that Hardide-T, its unique tungsten carbide-based component coating, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ('the FDA') for use on food processing equipment. The FDA approval opens up significant opportunities for the Company to build on its existing European position, where Hardide's coating is already being used successfully in food processing applications. As a result of the FDA go-ahead, the Company has entered tests with one of the premier manufacturers of high-pressure homogenisers and homogenisation systems, which has worldwide distribution to the food, dairy and beverage industries. The Group intends to leverage its position following the receipt of FDA approval and will enter the US food manufacturing sector via its coating facility located in Houston, Texas. The opportunities for the Hardide coating in food manufacturing are primarily in valve, pump and actuator applications where the Company has proven success in other industries. Commenting on the announcement, Jim Murray-Smith, Chief Executive of Hardide plc, said: 'This is a major development for Hardide as it opens up a vast range of new opportunities for the Group internationally where we can offer a solution to the many food manufacturing applications where part failure due to wear, corrosion and galling is an issue. 'We are already working very successfully in this sector in the UK. An example is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies which was having repeated failures with a hard chrome coating which was puncturing and flaking under abrasive conditions, causing the galling of critical ball valves and seats. The life of the parts was increased in excess of 20-fold after being coated with Hardide-T. 'Hardide's entry into the food processing sector is a natural progression following the Group's success in the valve and pump markets within high wear industries such as oil and gas, power generation and chemicals. We are confident that the food processing sector holds considerable potential for Hardide and that our unique coating will soon be incorporated into selected applications in this new market.' Ends For further information: Hardide plc Jim Murray Smith, Chief Executive / Tel: +44 (0) 1869 353 830 Jackie Robinson, Head of Communications jmurray-smith@hardide.com www.hardide.com Seymour Pierce Nicola Marrin Tel: +44 (0) 20 7107 8000 Media enquiries: Abchurch Chris Lane / Hugo Jenkins Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700 chris.lane@abchurch-group.com www.abchurch-group.com Notes to editors: Hardide provides and applies tungsten carbide-based coatings to a wide range of engineering components. The Company's patented technology is unique in that it combines both abrasion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating. When applied to components, the technology is proven to offer dramatic cost savings through reduced downtime and extended component life. Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pumps manufacturing, general engineering and aerospace. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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