Essentra Regulatory News (ESNT)

27 Jun 2005 07:00

Filtrona plc27 June 2005 Trading Statement Filtrona has continued to perform to expectations in the first half of 2005. Plastic Technologies is continuing to benefit from investments made in marketingprogrammes, distribution infrastructure and new plant and equipment. Headlinegrowth has been enhanced by the full effect of the successful integration of theSkiffy acquisition which was completed in March 2004. Underlying growth remainsrobust and some moderation of growth rates in certain markets is being mitigatedby reductions in raw material prices. Fibre Technologies' performance is broadly in line with the first half of 2004.Lower filter volumes in Europe offset growth in the Americas and Asia which,combined with start up costs in Mexico and China and closure costs inSwitzerland, impacted performance. Increased volumes in both Mexico and China,combined with savings derived from the factory closure in Switzerland, willdeliver benefit during the remainder of 2005. Filtrona is a leading supplier in the niche markets it serves, and continues toinvest in lowering unit cost, improving service and supply chain efficiency, andin developing new products. The Board is confident that Filtrona will continueits positive development. Editor's Note:Plastic Technologies produces, sources and distributes protection and finishingproducts, self-adhesive tear tape and certain security products as well asproprietary and customised plastic extrusions and packaging items for consumerproducts.Fibre Technologies focuses on the production and supply of special filters forcigarettes and bonded fibre products such as reservoirs and wicks for writinginstruments and printers, household products and medical diagnostic devices. Enquiries: Filtrona plc Tel: 01908 359 100 Mark Harper, Chief Executive Steve Dryden, Finance Director Finsbury Tel: 020 7251 3801 Morgan BoneGordon Simpson This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange