Chairman's Statement

Avon Rubber PLC
17 January 2001

                                                            
                                                         
                    CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
                 FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
                      17TH JANUARY 2001


At the time of our preliminary announcement on November 30th
2000  we stated that 'our international markets continue  to
be  demanding, but we believe that the overall  outlook  for
Avon is improving.'

The  Group's results for the first quarter of the  financial
year are in line with last year although significant cuts to
US vehicle output have affected our own production levels in
North  America  during  December and  January.   Short  term
vehicle   production  levels  are  uncertain,  but   current
information  suggests  some recovery  as  stocks  of  unsold
vehicles reduce.  Sales from our Continental European  units
have  increased while trading conditions for  UK  operations
remain challenging.

The  benefits  of  lower  costs  from  recent  restructuring
throughout  the  Group  will help to offset  the  impact  of
reduced  sales to US automotive customers.  We  continue  to
believe  that  the actions which we have taken will  produce
benefits for shareholders.

                           
                                                           
Enquiries to:

Avon Rubber p.l.c.
Bill Taylor, Business Services Director   Tel:  [phone]

Golin/Harris Ludgate 
Richard Hews                             Tel:  [phone]
Trish Featherstone