Directorate Change

Weir Group PLC
6 February 2002

                            Wednesday, 6th February 2002

               SIR ROBERT SMITH APPOINTED NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
                  AND CHAIRMAN DESIGNATE OF THE WEIR GROUP PLC


The Weir Group PLC announces that Sir Robert Smith has been appointed a
non-executive director and Chairman Designate with immediate effect. Sir Ron
Garrick, Chairman of The Weir Group, has indicated his intention to retire from
the Board at the end of June 2002, at which time Sir Robert will succeed him as
Chairman.


Sir Ron Garrick said: 'I am delighted that Sir Robert has agreed to become the
next Chairman of The Weir Group. His knowledge and business experience will make
a major contribution to the future deliberations of our Board. He and our Chief
Executive, Mark Selway, are an ideal combination to lead the next phase of
growth and development of the Group'.


Sir Robert Smith: 'I am looking forward to working with Mark and his team to
further develop and grow the business'.

                                                                      ENDS

Helen Walker

Public Relations Manager

The Weir Group PLC

        Tel: [phone]

        Fax: [phone]

        E-mail: [e-mail]

        Web: http://www.weir.co.uk


Suzanne Bartch

The Maitland Consultancy

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Fax: [phone]


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