Trading Update

Tanfield Group PLC 27 January 2006 Tanfield Group PLC ('Tanfield' or 'the Group') Trading update The Directors of Tanfield are pleased to report on developments in the latter part of the financial year ending 31 December 2005 and confirm that they remain comfortable with market estimates for the year just completed. Significant highlights of this period include: Tanfield Engineering Systems The order book and enquiry levels remain strong with the 'assembly solution' proposition continuing to derive interest from both existing and new clients. Further new projects have recently been awarded to the engineering division from a major manufacturer of civil engineering and construction equipment, and the scope of a number of contracts is broadening as the Group demonstrates its capability to these customers. Smith Electric Vehicles Interest in the Faraday vehicles is extremely buoyant with many substantial retail and logistics companies, as well as various public sector organisations, expressing serious intent. Firm orders have already been received from dairies, logistics companies, public sector organisations, and an Airport operator and a number of trials are currently taking place. Further derivatives of the Faraday platform will be rolled out over the course of 2006 to appeal to specific sectors within these markets. The Dairy Crest service and supply contract is now fully implemented and we see further opportunities to grow with Dairy Crest over the coming years. Aerial Access The strategy to broaden market penetration through overseas distributors is well progressed and a significant level of order intake is being generated through these new channels. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of additional distributors and we anticipate further additions to the distributor base over the course of the year. New powered access products are in the final stages of development to push through these improved distribution channels and to increase the product portfolio. The proposed joint venture in China is progressing well and we expect shortly to be shipping the first of a number of products to this important and fast growing market. Norquip The integration of this acquisition is now complete and we are in receipt of orders for complete vehicles, both diesel and electrically propelled, for airport customers worldwide. The renewed sales and marketing activities in this division have resulted in significant interest. Several European and Middle Eastern projects are in the final stages of negotiation and are expected to complete in the short term. The directors are confident that these contracts, allied to the general growth in the airline sector, will result in significant order book growth during the year. JumboTug Improved distribution and new state-of-the art products are helping this division to significantly increase it's market share. Recent contract wins with several UK regional airports have been joined by orders from Poland and Spain. The divisions zero-emission products are now on trial in London's main airports and the enquiry levels are at an unprecedented level, including potential projects in North America, the Middle East and Asia. We also announce the resignation of John Pither from the board of Tanfield as he is reducing his commitments. John's contribution and advice over the last 5 years have been of enormous assistance and the board would like to publicly express their thanks to him. The Company expects to make certain appointments to strengthen the Board in due course. John Bridge has been appointed chairman of the remuneration committee and Martin Groak has been appointed chairman of the audit committee. The Company announces that its Auditors have completed a review of its Interim Statement to June 2005. They recommend that due to the size of a provision release disclosed in Note 7 within the Report, this should be treated as an exceptional item. The Board and the Audit Committee will consider this guidance for the treatment of this item when preparing the Annual Report to December 2005. The Board can confirm that Note 7 of the Interim Statement gave full details of provision movements for the period. In addition, the board has appointed Baker Tilly as it's auditor and they will be reporting on the year ended 31 December 2005. Enquiries: Roy Stanley, Chief Executive, Tanfield Group Plc Tel. 01207 521111 Ruari McGirr, Daniel Stewart & Company Plc Tel. 020 7776 6550 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings