AGM Statement

Elementis PLC 28 April 2005 28 April 2005 ELEMENTIS plc Chairman's Statement at Today's Annual General Meeting including Board Changes At today's Annual General Meeting, Keith Hopkins, Chairman of Elementis plc (LSE: ELM) said: Trading Statement 'Elementis has continued to make progress in line with expectations during the first three months of 2005. The increases in Chromium chemicals prices implemented in January were sustained throughout the first quarter, and sales rose by 15 per cent in US Dollars compared to the same period last year, on essentially flat volume. Further price increases of up to 20 per cent have gone into effect in April, and additional increases are planned for July. Variable costs have risen as anticipated and global capacity rationalisation has continued. In Specialties and Pigments sales were flat in US Dollars, with improved pricing compensating for a relatively slow start to the US coatings season. As previously announced, annualised synergy benefits of £3.5 million from the Servo acquisition will start to come through in the second half of 2005. Start-up of our new Pigments plant in TaiCang, China has proceeded as expected and commercial sales have commenced. Sales of Specialty Rubber products rose 7 per cent in US Dollars, reflecting good demand in all major market sectors and regions. As part of management's continued focus on cost control and as a result of significant progress in resolving legacy issues and simplifying administration processes, Elementis expects to reduce overhead costs by approximately £2 million annually during the second half of 2005, with the full benefit to be felt in 2006. The one off costs associated with this action are expected to be approximately £1 million and will be incurred in the current year. While input cost inflation remains, particularly for energy and ocean freight, our leadership in chromium chemicals, improvements at Servo and the cost benefits of the TaiCang Pigments plant are all expected to drive improved operating performance as the year progresses.' Board Changes 'Michael Hartnall, who was appointed a director of the Company in 1993, has, in line with best practice, decided to step down from the Board as senior independent non executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee following the conclusion of the Annual General meeting of the Company today. Chris Girling, who is finance director of Carillion plc, is to be appointed as a non executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee with effect from tomorrow, 29 April 2005. Edward Wilson, who has been a non executive director of the Company since 1999 and is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee is to replace Michael Hartnall as the senior independent non executive director with effect from today. Philip Brown, who has been the Secretary of the Company since 1992 and was appointed to the Board in 2000, is to retire from the Company with effect from 30 June 2005. I would like to thank Michael and Philip for the contributions they have made during a long period of service which has seen the Company transformed from Harrisons & Crosfield, a diversified conglomerate, to the speciality chemical company which Elementis is today. I am particularly pleased that Philip has agreed to stay on as the Chairman of the Trustees of the Elementis Group Pension Scheme. I am delighted to welcome Chris Girling to the Board. I have no doubt that the Company will benefit from the strong financial management experience which Chris will bring to the Board.' -Ends- Enquiries Elementis +44 (0)1784 227000 Geoff Gaywood Chief Executive Brian Taylorson Finance Director Hilary Reid Evans Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Brunswick +44 (0)20 7404 5959 Kate Holgate Wendel Verbeek Laure Kornian-Chabert This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Companies

Elementis (ELM)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings