Statement re Norton facility

Morgan Crucible Co PLC
23 February 2007




MORGANITE CRUCIBLE LIMITED ('MORGANITE') ANNOUNCES THE PROPOSED CESSATION OF THE
   MANUFACTURE OF CRUCIBLES AND CLAY GRAPHITE PRODUCTS AT ITS NORTON FACILITY


Morganite, a subsidiary of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, is regrettably
considering the proposal to cease the majority of its manufacturing at its
Norton (Worcester) site.

Morganite has traditionally relied heavily on export markets outside Europe for
its growth and continuing profitability. The continuing rise in the value of
sterling against the US dollar and the Japanese Yen since 2001 has significantly
affected the profitability of the company and has made it less competitive in
export markets, particularly given the rise of low cost competition from Asia.

Faced with these market conditions and the declining profitability of Morganite,
the Directors have reluctantly concluded that they may have no alternative but
to cease the manufacture of crucibles and clay graphite products at the Norton
site. There will be a period of consultation with employee representatives but
assuming no viable alternatives are forthcoming, it is anticipated that these
activities could potentially cease in the first quarter of 2008.

The Company expects to maintain a warehouse and distribution operation in the
area in order to continue to satisfy the requirements of its UK customers.


Enquiries:

Victoria Gould               The Morgan Crucible Company plc       01753 837 306

Mike Smith / Clare Strange   Finsbury                              0207 251 3801


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