Pre-close Trading Update

Molins PLC
16 December 2003

16 DECEMBER 2003                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                                   MOLINS PLC

                            Pre-close trading update



Molins, the international specialist engineering company, issues the following
trading update ahead of its preliminary results announcement in February 2004.



Profits are expected to be broadly in line with market expectations for the year
ending 31 December 2003 as the Tobacco Machinery division continues to progress.
The acquisition of Sasib, a leading manufacturer of packing machinery for the
tobacco industry was completed at the end of August.  Although Sasib has only
been part of the group for just over three months the businesses in the Tobacco
Machinery division are working well together to realise the opportunities
provided by the combined sales and marketing expertise with the enlarged product
portfolio.  The market for packaging machinery continues to be difficult but
Molins is starting to see some signs of improvement in the US and the division
is continuing to trade profitably.



Enquiries:

Molins PLC
David Cowen, Group Finance Director                          Tel: [phone]

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Margaret George                                              Tel: [phone]






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