Trading Statement

Gooch & Housego PLC
08 April 2003


Gooch & Housego PLC wishes to update the market on the progress of their new
factory in Ilminster. All necessary planning approvals have now been received
and final detailed building specifications are being completed. The overall cost
for the 50,000 square feet factory and offices is estimated to be in the region
of £4.0 million and will be funded from both bank debt and from the Group's own
resources. Construction is expected to start in May 2003 with occupation during
the first quarter of 2004.


Our initial confidence, which led to the decision to increase manufacturing
capacity, is being supported by a growing order book and improving market
conditions.


Trading during the 6 months to 31 March 2003 suggests that there has been good
progress in the first half of the Company's financial year compared with the
first half of last year. The Company expects that the trading pattern
experienced in the last financial year with a bias towards the second half, is
likely to be repeated in the year ending 30 September 2003. As a result, the
Company expects trading this year to demonstrate modest progress.


For further information, contact:


Gooch & Housego PLC              01460 52271

Gareth Jones - Chief Executive Officer

Ian Bayer - Group Finance Director


Rowan Dartington & Co. Limited            0117 933 0011

Barrie Newton


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