Statement re Colours&Coatings

Johnson,Matthey PLC
15 January 2002


                         For Release at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 15th January 2002


Johnson Matthey Announces Colours & Coatings Rationalisation


Johnson Matthey plc has today announced that it is considering the closure of
its Colours & Coatings site in Meir, North Staffordshire.  This step is being
considered because of the continuing decline in demand from the tableware
sector and a need to rationalise production capacity.  Production currently
carried out on this site would be redistributed to other sites in the
Division.


There should be no impact on customers caused by the proposed changes in the
location of production.  In the event that the site in Meir is to close, final
production runs will take place in late summer.  It is likely that over 300
jobs would be lost in total, the majority of which would be at the Meir
facility.


The total charge for the proposed rationalisation has been estimated at £24m.
However, after the sale of assets, the rationalisation should be cash positive
for the Division.  Savings of some £7m per year would be expected in the year
beginning 1 April 2003.



Enquiries:


Ian Godwin, Group Corporate Communications Manager            020 7269 8410
Howard Lee, Gavin Anderson & Co                               020 7457 2345