NEW DETECTION DIVISION

15 May 2003

Smiths Group to create new Detection division

Smiths Group today announced the creation of a new division to include Smiths Detection and Smiths Heimann with effect
from 1 August 2003.  The move reflects the recent acquisition of Heimann and the potential for growth of these two
market-leading businesses, both previously part of Smiths Aerospace .

The new division will be led by board member John Langston, who becomes group managing director, Detection and Heimann,
and relinquishes his responsibility for the Sealing Solutions division.  This responsibility transfers to Einar Lindh,
currently board member for the Industrial division, who retains this brief and now becomes group managing director,
Specialty Engineering.

John Ferrie and Lawrence Kinet remain responsible for the Aerospace and Medical divisions respectively.

Commenting on the changes, Smiths Group chief executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, said, 'Both our Aerospace and the new
Detection divisions have built an impetus for growth in the next few years.  Establishing the new division now gives
management the opportunity to develop that growth to full potential, while maintaining our focus on customer
satisfaction, innovation and disciplined financial management.'

Smiths Group has market leading positions in aerospace systems, detection systems, medical devices, mechanical and
polymer seals, and interconnect products. For further information, visit www.smiths-group.com

Enquiries :

Media:       Bernard Carey            020 8457 8403                         
             Caroline Harris          020 8457 8306                         

Investors:   Russell Plumley          020 8457 8203