'Non-core' Division Sold

Weir Group PLC
8 May 2000


WEIR GROUP SELLS 'NON-CORE' DIVISION

Weir Group today (Monday, 8th May) announced that an agreement had been signed
with Svedala Industries of Sweden for the sale of Strachan & Henshaw's bulk
materials handling division for around £2.5 million.

The sale is in line with Weir's strategy of divesting non-core businesses and
strengthens Svedala's world leading position in this market.

The business, which employs 31 people out of a total workforce of 600 at the
Bristol site, accounted for only 11 per cent of Strachan & Henshaw's turnover
last year.

Strachan & Henshaw has carried out a strategic review of its business and has
decided to concentrate future resources on developing its core defence and
nuclear material handling activities.

Duncan Whyte, chief executive of Weir Group, said the sale was consistent with
Weir's new strategic direction, which he had outlined in recent months.

'Weir has undertaken a fundamental review of all its assets and while the bulk
handling business is a strong global operator in the commercial field, it is
not a core asset and fits better strategically in the Svedala operation.

'This sale reflects Weir's determination to focus its portfolio strategically
and positions us to take advantage of emerging opportunities in our core
businesses,' Mr Whyte said.

The bulk material handling operation will be transferred to other premises in
Bristol, which Svedala will lease from Strachan & Henshaw.