Exel received an environmental permission for the cleaning of contaminated soil

EXEL OYJ RELEASE 21.12.2005 at 14.45 1 (1) EXEL RECEIVED AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERMISSION FOR THE CLEANING OF CONTAMINATED SOIL Exel’s Mäntyharju factory has since 2001 been using district heating produced with wood chips. Oil heating is used as reserve power. A fixed-term inspection of oil reservoirs was carried out in summer 2005. As a result a superterranean light oil reservoir installed in 1969 was decided to be demolished. It was discovered that over the years oil had fallen into the ground during fill-ups. The reservoir itself has not leaked. No fixed safety basin to prevent leakages had been installed as one was not required by regulations at that time. In connection with the demolition Mikkeli District Environmental Services confirmed that oil had smeared ground around the reservoir. According to preliminary estimates based on measurements, the extent of soil containing oil is some 60 square metres and some 100-150 cubic metres of contaminated soil is to be removed. Measurement results were passed on to South Savo Regional Environment Centre which gave an environmental permission for the cleaning of contaminated soil on 19 December 2005. The area will be cleaned and the contaminated soil will be processed in a treatment plant specialized in the purification of contaminated soil. In accordance with its environmental policy Exel strives in all its operations to protect the environment. The cleaning operation does not have an effect on Exel’s profitability. Mäntyharju, 21 December 2005 EXEL OYJ Ari Jokelainen President Further information: Mr. Ari Jokelainen, President, Exel Oyj, tel. +358 50 590 6750 Exel Oyj is a Finnish company specialised in composite technology. The Group’s operations consist of sporting goods and industrial applications. Exel’s most well known products include cross-country and Alpine poles, Nordic Walking poles, surfboard masts, floorball clubs and industrial profiles in general. The Group’s seven factories are located in Finland, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Spain. Over 80% of production is exported. In 2004 the Group’s net sales totalled EUR 83.9 million. Exel personnel numbers 470. Exel’s share is listed on Helsinki Exchanges Main List.