Trading Update

4 Apr 2006 07:01

Carclo plc04 April 2006 For immediate release 4th April 2006 Carclo plc ("Carclo") Trading Update This has been a transitional year for Carclo, with the disposal of Card Clothingin the early part of the financial year and the increased focus on TechnicalPlastics and new technologies. The Board anticipates that trading for the yearended 31st March 2006 will be in line with its expectations. As expected, Carclo Technical Plastics had a much improved second half. We arenow benefiting from growth in our medical business and from continuing expansionin low cost regions, especially China. The resulting improvement in margins hasestablished an excellent base for further progress in the new financial year. Carclo Precision Products has also performed well - holding operating margins onsales slightly below the prior year. We have made excellent progress with our investments in new technology. Inparticular, progress at Conductive Inkjet Technology (CIT) has been very goodand the company is now established in a new facility in Cambridge. The MetalJet6000 - our high speed web printing line - will be released for sale by our USpartner in April and a number of promising applications are being pursued. CITis engaged with major global players in the emerging RFID market and initialtest results of CIT printed RFID antenna are very encouraging. We are confidentof further technical and commercial progress over the coming year. - Ends - Enquiries: Carclo plc 01924 268040Robert Brooksbank, Finance Director Weber Shandwick Square Mile 020 7067 0700Richard HewsJames White Notes to editors • Carclo plc is a global supplier of technical plastic components. It is a public company whose shares are quoted on the London Stock Exchange. • 65% of sales are derived from the supply of fine tolerance, injection moulded plastic components, which are used in medical, automotive, telecom and electronics products. This business, Carclo Technical Plastics, operates internationally in a fast growing and dynamic market underpinned by rapid technological development. • 35% of sales are derived from the supply of manufactured systems to the automotive and aerospace industries. • Carclo's strategy is to grow rapidly in low cost manufacturing regions and to develop new technologies and products to underpin future growth. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange