Umeco plc ("Umeco"), an international provider of supply chain and repair & overhaul services and advanced composite materials primarily to the aerospace & defence and automotive industries, is pleased to announce that Pattonair, a Umeco Supply Chain company, has signed a major, long term contract with Thales Aerospace Division to provide a complete 'C' class supply chain solution for all of their sites in France.

This new contract, which has an initial term of three years, will start immediately and is expected to generate annualised revenues in excess of 10.0 million once implementation is completed.

Clive Snowdon, Chief Executive of Umeco, commented:

"This is an important win for Pattonair in France and underlines the value that we are able to add to the supply chains of major aerospace manufacturers across the world.

"Pattonair has built a reputation for solid and timely delivery, which has undoubtedly aided in the award of this important contract. We are delighted to be working with Thales and will continue to look at ways in which we are able to develop and enhance our working relationship together. "

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For further information, please contact:

Umeco plc
Clive Snowdon, Chief Executive 01926 331800

Hogarth Partnership Ltd
John Olsen / Barnaby Fry 020 7357 9477

Umeco plc

Umeco is a leading innovator in distribution, supply chain management and repair and overhaul services to the aerospace and defence industries, harnessing new methods for enhancing its customers' performance and profitability.

Umeco also has significant manufacturing interests in advanced composite materials for a growing range of applications in its core aerospace and defence markets and in other high performance technology industries such as motor sport, automotive and wind energy.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Umeco had turnover of £293.2 million in the year to 31 March 2006.

Umeco is managed through three divisions:-

Umeco Components - a leading international provider of value-added distribution and supply chain outsourcing services to customers in the aerospace & defence market. With its specialisation in the supply of small components and sophisticated IT systems, its growing global customer base can enjoy significant operational, cost and working capital benefits.

Customers include Rolls-Royce plc, BAE SYSTEMS, Snecma Groupe, Parker Aerospace, Goodrich , Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense.

Umeco Composites - a provider of a complete range of advanced composite materials and specialist chemical products principally to the aerospace, motorsport, automotive and wind energy markets. A growing range of value-added outsourcing services is provided to major customers.

Customers include Boeing, Airbus, BAE SYSTEMS, Goodrich Aerostructures, British Airways, Lufthansa Technik, a number of manufacturers of high performance super cars and Formula 1 teams including Team McLaren Mercedes.

Umeco Repair and Overhaul - a provider of a comprehensive accessory repair and installation service to operators of fixed and rotary wing aircraft ranging in size from executive jets through to a Boeing 747.

Customers include British Airways, KLM, Swiss, Alitalia Express, Bristow Helicopters, BAE SYSTEMS, Saab Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney.