Trading Update

Embargoed: 0700hrs 14 December 2004

                                Avingtrans plc                                 

                         ('Avingtrans' or the 'Group')                         

                                Trading Update                                 

Avingtrans plc is pleased to inform shareholders that trading for the six
months to November 2004 is above board expectations. The whole group, including
the recent acquisitions of Crown (UK) Ltd ('Crown') and Stainless Metalcraft
(Chatteris) Ltd ('Metalcraft'), acquired in June and October this year
respectively, has performed above expectations.

In the six months to November 2004 compared with the corresponding period last
year:

                            Before contribution from Including contribution  
                            Crown and Metalcraft     from Crown and          
                                                     Metalcraft              
                                                                             
Like for like order intake  +67%                     +623%                   
has increased by:                                                            
                                                                             
Like for like sales have    +41%                     +557%                   
increased by:                                                                
                                                                             
Like for like order book    +33%                     +950%                   
has increased by:                                                            
                                                                             

The Group's operating cash flow has also exceeded board expectations. The
directors are delighted with the organic growth as well as the performance of
the recent acquisitions in the interim period to 30 November 2004, all of which
bodes well for the outcome of the full year to 31 May 2005.

Interim results to 30 November 2004 will be published early next year.

                                    -Ends-                                     

For further information please contact:

Ken Baker, Chairman

Stephen King, Finance Director

Avingtrans plc

Tel. [phone]

Adam Reynolds / Ben Simons

Hansard Communications

Tel. [phone]