Trading Update

Avon Rubber PLC
21 April 2008

                                                        
                                                                   21 April 2008
                               AVON RUBBER p.l.c.

                     ('Avon', the 'Group' or the 'Company')

                        TRADING UPDATE AND BOARD CHANGES

The Company is issuing the following update in respect of the half year ended on
31 March 2008.

In our AGM statement we noted that growth in our Protection and Defence business
had been slower than we anticipated and that the Company was expecting
confirmation of the multi-year contract for the new M50 US military respirator
in the very near future. The regulatory and administrative processes undertaken
by the US Government for contracts of this value and duration have taken much
longer than previously projected. We are however now in final contract
negotiations with the Department of Defense for this 5 year contract worth in
excess of US$100million. A follow-on requirements option to cover significant
additional demand over a period of up to 10 years will be executed at the same
time. In the interim, government funding has already been committed for long
lead items to allow us to commence production immediately under this programme.

The effect has been to delay sales on the main production contract into the
second half of the year. This will mean that the Group will incur a loss for the
half year. Once the multi-year contract is received however, it will provide the
basis for increased turnover and a return to profitability in the second half of
the year making a profit for the year as a whole. The 2009 financial year should
reflect the full benefit of this new business.

At the same time, Terry Stead has decided to stand down as Chief Executive with
immediate effect and will be succeeded by Peter Slabbert, Finance Director.

The Chairman, Sir Richard Needham, commented:

'Although the market and shareholders will be disappointed with our first half
Protection results, the Board is confident that the Company is very close to
receiving the multi-year order for the Joint Service General Purpose Mask from
the US Government. It is not unusual for there to be teething problems with new
and advanced programmes of this nature and we have experienced further
unexpected delays. The order should deliver a long-term growing and profitable
revenue stream for our Protection operation to complement the already successful
Dairy business. To win the world's largest contract for the world's most
advanced respirator represents an enormous achievement for the Company.'

'We have now reached the point of restructuring where Avon Rubber is a high
value-added, defence and dairy focused company. Terry Stead has therefore stood
down as CEO. His successor is Peter Slabbert our Finance Director. I am certain
that his experience and expertise make him the ideal candidate to take the
Company forward.'

Terry Stead said:

'Having completed the major reorganisation from a mainly automotive business,
and with the imminence of the multi-year order for the Joint Services General
Purpose Mask, I feel now is the right time for the Group to move forward under
new leadership. I wish Peter and his team every success in delivering the
benefits from these substantial opportunities.'

Commenting, Peter Slabbert said:

'I would like to pay tribute to Terry Stead's contribution to the company over
10 years as Finance Director and then CEO. During that time he has overseen the
repositioning of the company from a predominantly automotive business to one
focused on international defence and dairy markets.'

                                    < END >

For further enquiries please contact:

Avon Rubber p.l.c:
Peter Slabbert                                                      01225 896830
Fiona Stewart, Corporate Communications Executive                   01225 896871

Weber Shandwick Financial:
Richard Hews                                                       020 7067 0700
Hannah Marwood                                                    

NOTES TO EDITORS:
Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international polymer engineering group adding value
through material, manufacturing and industry sector expertise. For further
information please visit the Group's website www.avon-rubber.com



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange