Smoke alarm at Exel's Mäntyharju factory

EXEL OYJ RELEASE 16.12.2005 AT 14.00 1 (1) SMOKE ALARM AT EXEL’S MÄNTYHARJU FACTORY A basin containing resin in a paper machine application line smoked heavily on Friday 16 December 2005 at around 4 am in Exel’s paper machine application production unit at Mäntyharju, Finland. The overheating was caused by a hardening agent added to the resin. The local fire brigade was called out to remove the basin. The fire brigade also ventilated the facilities. There were three persons on shift and they went back to work approximately an hour after the incident. The incident took place in the paper machine production unit. Neither human nor material damages occurred, and production continues normally. Exel has strict instructions for accidents including an evacuation plan. Exel staff is regularly given first aid training. Exel regularly exercises for accidents with the local fire brigade. Thanks to long-term co-operation the fire brigade knows Exel’s facilities well. Exel is also committed to the European Responsible Care programme, and strives to minimize environmental risks also during accidents. Mäntyharju, 16 December 2005 EXEL OYJ Ari Jokelainen President & CEO Further information: Mr. Matti Valkonen, Factory Manager, Exel Oyj, tel. +358 50 590 6760 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 best-known products include cross-country and alpine poles, Nordic Walking poles, surfboard masts, floorball clubs and industrial profiles in general. The Group’s six 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 450. Exel’s share is listed on Helsinki Exchanges Main List.