SSL announces that its Scunthorpe factory sustained severe fire damage during the night of 25/26 September. The factory manufactures continence care products that are distributed to the hospital and community sectors in the UK. All of the employees working in the factory were evacuated safely, and no impact on the local environment is anticipated.

Approximately 60% of SSL's continence care products are manufactured in Scunthorpe, with the remainder produced at other locations or by third party suppliers. The group has significant stock levels of the products manufactured in Scunthorpe, and there will be no immediate disruption to customer service and supply.

A full assessment of the damage is underway, and a statement will be made once this has been completed.

The factory is fully insured and SSL do not anticipate any significant impact on group profitability.

For further information, please contact:

SSL:
Garry Watts, Group Finance Director 01565 624000
Kathryn Lamb, Group Strategy Director 01565 624000

The Maitland Consultancy:
William Clutterbuck 020 7379 5151

Notes to editors:
SSL International's continence care business has approximately 345 employees, of which around 270 are employed at the Scunthorpe facility. In the year to 31 March 2001, the continence care business generated approximately £29 million of the group's turnover (total £649 million).

The factory is not involved with the production of the group's major international brands: Durex, Scholl, Regent and Hibi.