14 January 2004

The achievement is based on Smiths meeting Boeing's rigid performance requirements for:

• Delivery

•  Quality

•  Advanced Quality System

•  Business Processes

Dr. John Ferrie, Group Managing Director of Smiths Aerospace commented, "We are very pleased to earn gold level certification at our Grand Rapids facility. Smiths is a first tier supplier to Boeing, with systems on all Boeing aircraft, and we look forward to constantly improving our long-term relationship with them."

"I am very proud of our employees who have worked hard to achieve our gold level certification, which complements the gold level status already attained by our Clearwater facility" commented David Miller, Vice President and General Manager at Smiths Aerospace in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "We continue to work closely with Boeing on programs such as the 767 Tanker, C-130AMP, F-22, F/A-18, AH-64, Boeing 737 and the V-22, providing high integrity electronic systems.

Retention of the preferred certified status requires Smiths to maintain performance to the standards of certification. Smiths becomes the 20th Gold Supplier among more than 4,500 production suppliers on Boeing programs.

About Smiths: Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with more than 9,000 employees and $1.6 billion revenues split between Europe and North America. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and are world-leaders in electronic and mechanical systems, precision components and Systems Customer Services.