Marketing Update

25 Apr 2005 07:00

Croma Group PLC25 April 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25 APRIL 2005 CROMA GROUP PLC ("Croma" or "the Group") MARKETING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED TO EXPAND CROMA CUSTOMER BASE The Board of Croma, the specialists in the design, development and production ofovert and covert surveillance and defence related products, announces today itscommitment to an extensive marketing programme, as a part of its strategy toexpand its domestic and international customer base. The rolling programme, which does not take into account their presence at the2005 Master Investor Show, comprises a range of sector specific exhibitions,namely Ifsec; DSEI; Helitech and Milipol. Attendees to theses exhibitions are wholly pertinent to the Group's specifictarget audience. Commenting on the Group's target market, John French, Chairmanand Chief Executive, stated: "In the UK, our target customer base includesPolice, Customs & Excise, Local Authorities and the Military - including SpecialForces. However, some of the new products provide application opportunities incommercial markets. Opportunities for export sales are by and large the same,plus a much larger Police and Military market, Border Guards and DrugEnforcement Agencies. Many of our products also have applications in the area ofanti-terrorism." Each event will see the Group provide visitors with an overview of the range andbreadth of its innovative security products, which include: 'Thermal ReductionClothing' - camouflage suits that offer the wearer protection againstultra-violet, visual (i.e. binoculars), weapon sights, and infrared; through to'Laser Marksman Training Systems', an interactive mount targetry system, actingas an effective training device simulating the live firing of a soldier'sweapon. John French continues: "There are early signs of Croma being viewed as a'solutions provider', customising our products for use in a variety of differentapplications". Ifsec, recognised as global security's leading annual international exhibitionand conference, will see Shawley - the Group's CCTV arm - exhibit both its CCTVproducts, as well as other Group products from Croma Defence Systems and R&DDesign Services. Shawley boasts a strong export record and, with 28% of theanticipated 25,000 visitors being international, interest level is expected tobe high. September 2005, will see the Group exhibiting at DSEi, the world's largesttri-service defence exhibition. The exhibition historically consists of nearly1000 exhibitors and attracts over 20,000 visitors from over 50 countries. Again,Croma will be exhibiting products from the Group's companies, which assist withhomeland security, anti-terrorism and personal security. Helitech, a highly focussed exhibition, will see Croma's R&D Design Services("Croma R&D") exhibiting in its own right for the first time. Croma R&D, whichspecialises in monitors, video enhancement and bespoke avionics design, isseeking to broaden its already international client base. Croma R&D has productson every police helicopter in the UK, and has OE contracts with OEM's in Europe.A recent order from South Africa, and the setting up of a service agent inAustralia, reflects Croma R&D's growing international success. Finally, the Group will have a stand at Milipol, a worldwide exhibition of statesecurity. The exhibition takes place in Paris towards the end of November, andis a showcase for high-tech security for protection against day to day threats.This is the last show in Croma's 2005 exhibition schedule and highlight's theGroup's commitment to building awareness of its products and drive to meetprospective new customers. John French ends by saying: "The Company's presence at such events is a keydriver to the Board's ambition to build a stronger profile in both the domesticand international market for Croma, expanding its customer base and cementingfurther its status as a core UK provider of bespoke security products." --ENDS-- Enquiries: Croma Group plcJohn French, Chairman & Chief Executive Mobile: 07836 722 482 Bishopsgate Communications Ltd. Tel: 020 7430 1600Maxine Barnes Mobile: 07860 489 571Dominic Barretto Mobile: 07930 450 156 Notes to Editors: Listed on the Alternative Investment Market of The London Stock Exchange, CromaGroup plc, the specialists in the design, development, production and marketingof overt and covert surveillance and defence related products, comprises ofthree divisions; namely Croma Defence Systems Ltd, Shawley (a division of CromaDefence) and R&D Design Services Ltd. Photographs are available via Bishopsgate Communications Ltd. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange