Avon Protection Regulatory News (AVON)

PRESS RELEASE

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 Monday 30 September 2013

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

2013 Year end - Pre close trading update

Strong fourth quarter trading in the Protection & Defence division is expected to raise Group full year adjusted operating profit (*) ahead of current market expectations. The main contributors to this expected improvement were additional non-US Department of Defense orders received from the UK Government and customers in the Middle East, together with a high level of operational flexibility, which allowed us to deliver product to our customers at short notice.

Dairy division trading has remained in line with market expectations in difficult trading conditions. Our new cluster exchange service has been successfully launched in the key Californian market.

Full year results will be announced on Wednesday 20 November 2013.

Commenting, Peter Slabbert, Chief Executive said "This brings 2013 to a positive conclusion and the recently announced order for 52,000 C50s and filters will allow us to continue that positive momentum into 2014."

(*) = Note - adjusted operating profit excludes the amortisation of acquired intangibles and exceptional items totalling £0.8m in 2013.

NOTES TO EDITORS: Withover 120 years' experience, Avon Rubber p.l.c. is 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 inthe UK, servingmarkets around the world.

Avon Protection is the recognised global marketleader in respiratory protection system technology, specialising primarily in military, law enforcement, firefighting, and industrial markets. With an unrivalled pedigree in mask design dating back to the 1920s,Avon Protection's advanced products are the first choice for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) users worldwide.

Avon Protection's expanding global customer base now includes military forces, law enforcement teams, firefighters, other first responders and industrial, marine, mineral and oil extraction site personnel. All put their trust in Avon's advancedrespiratory protection solutions to shield them from everypossible threat.

Ourworld leading Dairy business, Avon Dairy Solutions, and its Milkrite brand, have a global market presence. Our unique designs and innovative technology have been described by one particular customer as "the biggest advance in the milking process in a generation". Working with theleading scientists and health specialists in the industry, we continue to invest in technology to further improve the milking process and animal welfare. As our market share and milking experience continues to grow sodoes our global presence.

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