Chairman's Statement

Fairey Group PLC
9 May 2000


Contact:  John Poulter, Chief Executive   
          Fairey Group plc                        Tel: [phone]
                                          
          Charles Watson / Richard Mountain       
          Financial Dynamics                      Tel: [phone]


                            CHAIRMAN'S AGM STATEMENT

Sir Robin Biggam, Chairman, made the following statement at the AGM of Fairey
Group plc held today:-

'Within my letter to shareholders accompanying the prospectus and listing
particulars relating to the proposed acquisition of Spectris AG and the
associated rights issue, I commented upon current trading and prospects for
the enlarged group.  I now re-confirm that statement at this meeting.

When the preliminary results of Fairey were announced in March of this year, I
reported that:

The recovery in the semiconductor and optical fibre industries, improving
economic activity in Asia Pacific, and strengthening manufacturing investment
in the United States, are all positive signals for the group's performance. 
Late cycle industries such as steel where there remains over capacity, or oil
and gas, where the benefits of a higher oil price are not yet reflected in
sales, remain soft.  However, taken overall, Fairey is well positioned with
products, resources and the organisation to exploit a more positive situation
than has prevailed during the past two years.

I am pleased to confirm that these positive signals for performance are
continuing across the group.  This is particularly the case in the growth
companies involved in semiconductors and at Fusion and Arcom.  Sales and
profits in the first 3 months of the current financial year were significantly
ahead of the comparable period in 1999.

Barring an adverse change in overall economic conditions, the Directors have
confidence in the prospects for the enlarged group.'


Copies of this announcement are available from the company's registered
office: Station Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9NP