UMECO BRINGS SUPPLY CHAIN BUSINESSES UNDER THE PATTONAIR BRAND

Umeco plc, an international provider of supply chain management, distribution, repair & overhaul services and advanced composite materials primarily to the aerospace & defence and automotive industries, today announces the re-branding of its aerospace and defence components distribution and supply chain businesses under the single global brand, Pattonair.

The further integration of the three businesses of Ulogistics, Abscoa and Pattonair, creates a seamless offering for customers and means the Company can manage, more effectively, its major purchasing strength, to achieve new efficiencies in the supply chain. Furthermore, under the single Pattonair brand the company will truly unite as a one service culture around the world.

The Pattonair brand, established in 1970, is well known as a leading business in the European aerospace and defence components markets. The enlarged Pattonair will cover all customers' needs in C and B class components, from immediate supply requirements to long term strategic outsourcing supply chain management partnerships with major customers, designed to reduce cost and increase productivity.

The move is being made by Umeco as part of its strategy for growth in the supply chain market, where the Company provides a complete range of distribution and supply chain management services globally, through its network of facilities and service teams in Europe, North America and Asia.

In recognition of the growing importance of supply chain management outsourcing in its strategy for growth, Umeco also announces that it has renamed its Components division, Umeco Supply Chain.

Jason Crabtree, Chief Executive of Umeco Supply Chain, comments: "This move reflects our position as a major player in the market and makes clear our commitment to growth. It's an important time in the aerospace and defence market, as customers look at the supply chain as a source for new revenue and profit. We can help a diverse range of businesses to deliver these improvements as we drive new efficiencies in the supply chain.

"Under the Pattonair brand we are focused on delivering the systems and products that will enable our customers to reduce their total cost of acquisition. As one worldwide group we have the best team in the industry and a truly international reach."

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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 Supply Chain - 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, Safran Group, 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.