SEVERFIELD PLC — Regulatory Filings 2013

Aug 16, 2013

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RNS Number : 8295L

Severfield-Rowen PLC

16 August 2013

Interim Management Statement

Severfield-Rowen Plc, the market leading structural steel group, issues this Interim Management Statement covering the period to 15 August 2013.

Current Trading

The Group's overall trading performance for the year to date remains in line with management expectations. The Group's borrowings are also in line with expectations following the completion of the Rights Issue in April.

UK

The reorganisation of the Group's Severfield-Watson Structures business is now substantially complete. The Group has successfully achieved the anticipated savings and made good progress with the associated operational improvement programme.

The UK order book of £178m is slightly lower than that previously reported, but it remains at a level that management is comfortable with, given the current state of the UK market, the capacity reductions being implemented within the business, and the Group's more selective approach to securing work. There are early signs that the market may be marginally improving into 2014.

JSW Severfield Structures Ltd (India)

The primary focus in India continues to be on the commercial development of the business and conversion of the market from concrete to steel. While progress is encouraging, the order book level of £34.8m is not yet sufficient to maintain production at a break-even level. The factory expansion is almost complete and the increased capability will play an important role in the continuing business development process.

Outlook

While short term challenges remain, the Group is making encouraging progress with its operational improvements, supported by a strong balance sheet, and is maintaining its market position. Management is confident that the Group is progressing in line with its expectations and will be well placed to benefit from any recovery in the UK construction market.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Severfield-Rowen Plc	John Dodds Chairman	01845 577896
	Alan Dunsmore Finance Director	01845 577896
Jefferies International Limited	Simon Hardy	020 7029 8000
	Harry Nicholas	020 7029 8000
Pelham Bell Pottinger	David Rydell	020 7861 3886
	Guy Scarborough	020 7861 3870

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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