Drayton Kilns Ltd. has successfully commissioned a 51-meter-long, state-of-the-art tunnel kiln system for Denby Pottery Co. Ltd. Drayton has a long-standing relationship with Denby. This latest kiln is part of a 2 million pound investment program by Denby Group plc designed to create a dedicated flatware manufacturing cell adjacent to the existing factory. The new cell is scheduled to be fully operational by February 2002. The new Drayton kiln is equipped with sophisticated combustion and computerized control systems for optimum fuel economy and temperature distribution. The kiln also features fully-automated kiln car movement, including Drayton's RotaKar(TM) system to facilitate ware setting and unloading. Other features include an automatic kiln car weigh station and computerized pusher speed control.

Denby Group plc recently announced that sales for the year grew by 8% for the second successive year and reflected strong performances in key markets such as the UK, the U.S. and Canada. Operating profit grew by 20% for the second year. In the past two years, the company has extended its core ceramic range to include a coordinated range of lifestyle casual glass and table top accessories. The consistent and strong growth achieved by Denby over the past three years has created the demand for increased capacity at the company's Derby, UK-based factory.

"We have demonstrated that a clear focus on designing tableware that is attractive and relevant to today's consumers, backed up by a uniquely skilled team of people that deliver the seemingly impossible year after year, continues to be a recipe for a successful pottery business," said Nigel Worne, managing director.

For additional information about Drayton and its products, call (44) 1782 657361, fax (44) 1782 658946, e-mail dk@draytonkilns.co.uk or visit http://www.draytonkilns.co.uk.

Additional information on Denby can be obtained by calling (44) 1773 740776. The company's website is located at http://www.denby.co.uk.