AGM Statement

Fairey Group PLC
8 May 2001





Date:                Tuesday 8th May 2001



Contact:            John Poulter, Chief Executive
                    Fairey Group plc                    Tel:  [phone]



                    Richard Mountain
                    Financial Dynamics                  Tel:  [phone]



                           CHAIRMAN'S AGM STATEMENT



Turning to current trading, the first four months of the year have seen
positive progress overall.  Our businesses exposed to electronics
manufacturing and semiconductors have seen sharp reversals and general demand
in the U.S. has been and remains weak.  However, strong performances elsewhere
and a good contribution from the European businesses acquired with Spectris in
mid-2000 mean that the first half performance is likely to be substantially
ahead of last year.



Performance in the second half will depend on economic circumstances
prevailing at that time.  In spite of an extremely strong performance in the
second half of last year, the board's current expectation remains that the
company will show significant progress over the year as a whole.





Sir Robin Biggam

8th May 2001

Copies of this announcement are available from the company's registered
office:

Station Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9NP