Trading Statement

RNS Number:9632D
Heywood Williams Group PLC
19 November 2002


Date:           Embargoed until 7.00am, Tuesday 19 November, 2002

Contacts:       Ian Stuart, Chief Executive
                Laurence Campbell, Finance Director
                Heywood Williams Group PLC                Tel:  [phone]

                Jon Simmons
                Financial Dynamics                        Tel:  [phone]




                          HEYWOOD WILLIAMS GROUP PLC

                               Trading Statement


In the UK Heywood Williams is market leader in the manufacture and distribution
of PVC windows, doors and conservatories; in the US it is a leading supplier of
 components to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle markets; and a
                    major producer of plastic pipe products.


Heywood Williams announces that its 2002 full year earnings (pre-exceptional
charges) are now expected to be slightly below the level of 2001 and therefore
below analysts' current expectations.  Despite the progress reported at the half
year, the group has recently suffered from three factors.


-    Higher than expected one-off costs arising from disruption in respect
     of restructuring in the plastic systems division, mainly relating to the 
     new central warehouse.

-    A recent deterioration in the trading and operational performance of
     the retail fabrication division.

-    A recent weakening in the US PVC pipe market, leading to reduced margins.


The UK hardware division continues to perform well and to expectations and the
other US divisions have also performed well with strong conditions in RV and
automotive.  Equally, good cash management continues to be a feature of the
group's businesses

Looking forward, we are near to the completion of the UK restructuring
programme, which is expected to be funded fully from 2001 exceptional provision,
and are making clear progress in addressing the operational performance issues
which have arisen.  In retail fabrication, a strong focus on product
profitability and improved cost management will lead to significantly better
results.  In summary, we are confident that these operational issues will be
successfully addressed leading to a UK turnaround in 2003.

Although economic conditions continue to be uncertain especially in the US, our
leading market positions, cash flow, balance sheet strength and the continual
upgrading of our management capabilities should ensure significant operational
performance improvement.  The board therefore intends to maintain its current
dividend policy.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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