Avon Protection Regulatory News (AVON)

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 Wednesday 29 April 2015

AVON RUBBER p.l.c. (the "Group" or the "Company")

Board change

Avon Rubber announces today that, after fifteen years with the Group, the last seven of which have been as Chief Executive, Peter Slabbert has informed the Board of his intention to step down from his role as Chief Executive and retire from the Company.

This change will become effective on 30 September 2015, ahead of which date Peter will continue in his current role. The search for a successor has already commenced and a further update will be provided in due course.

David Evans, Chairman, commented:

"The Board is immensely grateful to Peter for the contribution he has made during his time with Avon Rubber. Early on he was an instrumental part of the successful transformation of the Group, helping to build the foundations that have led to the recent consistent record of growth in profits, further evidenced in today's interim results. He leaves behind a strong executive team which the Board is confident will continue to grow the Group. "

Peter Slabbert, Chief Executive, commented:

"After fifteen years with the Group as CEO and Group Finance Director I have decided it is time for a change in lifestyle. We have transformed Avon Rubber and have established strong foundations to continue to grow the Group."

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Note to editors: The Group has transformed itself over the past five years into an innovative design and engineering group specialising in two core markets, Protection & Defence and Dairy. With a strong emphasis on research and development we design, test and manufacture specialist products from a number of sites in the US and UK, serving markets around the world. We achieve this through nurturing the talent and aspirations of our employees to realise their highest potential.

Avon Protection is the recognised global market leader in advanced Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection systems technology for the world's military, homeland security, first responder, fire and industrial markets. With an unrivalled pedigree in mask design dating back to the 1920's, Avon Protection's advanced products are the first choice for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) users worldwide and are placed at the heart of many international defence and tactical PPE deployment strategies. Our expanding global customer base now includes military forces, civil and first line defence troops, emergency service teams and industrial, marine, mineral and oil extraction site personnel. All put their trust in Avon's advanced respiratory solutions to shield them from every possible threat.

Our world-leading Dairy business and its Milkrite brand have a global market presence. With a long history of manufacturing liners and tubing for the dairy industry, Milkrite has become the leading innovator and designer for products and services right at the heart of milking. Our goal is always to improve and maintain animal health. Working with the leading scientists and health specialists in the global dairy industry we continue to invest in technology to further improve the milking process and animal welfare. Our products provide exceptional results for both the animal and the milker, making the milk extraction process run smoothly. As our market share and milking experience continue to grow, so does our global presence.

For further information please visit the Group's website www.avon-rubber.com