REG-Hardide PLC FDA approval

Released: 20/09/2007

RNS Number:1466E 
Hardide PLC 
20 September 2007 
 
 
Press Release                                                20 September 2007 
 
 
 
                                  Hardide plc 
 
 
                  ("Hardide" or "the Company" or "the Group") 
 
 
             Hardide approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
                               for Food Processing 
 
 
Hardide plc (AIM:HDD), the provider of unique surface engineering technology, is 
pleased to announce that Hardide-T, its unique tungsten carbide-based component 
coating, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("the FDA") 
for use on food processing equipment. 
 
The FDA approval opens up significant opportunities for the Company to build on 
its existing European position, where Hardide's coating is already being used 
successfully in food processing applications.  As a result of the FDA go-ahead, 
the Company has entered tests with one of the premier manufacturers of 
high-pressure homogenisers and homogenisation systems, which has worldwide 
distribution to the food, dairy and beverage industries. 
 
The Group intends to leverage its position following the receipt of FDA approval 
and will enter the US food manufacturing sector via its coating facility located 
in Houston, Texas.  The opportunities for the Hardide coating in food 
manufacturing are primarily in valve, pump and actuator applications where the 
Company has proven success in other industries. 
 
Commenting on the announcement, Jim Murray-Smith, Chief Executive of Hardide 
plc, said:  "This is a major development for Hardide as it opens up a vast range 
of new opportunities for the Group internationally where we can offer a solution 
to the many food manufacturing applications where part failure due to wear, 
corrosion and galling is an issue. 
 
"We are already working very successfully in this sector in the UK.  An example 
is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies which was having 
repeated failures with a hard chrome coating which was puncturing and flaking 
under abrasive conditions, causing the galling of critical ball valves and 
seats.  The life of the parts was increased in excess of 20-fold after being 
coated with Hardide-T. 
 
"Hardide's entry into the food processing sector is a natural progression 
following the Group's success in the valve and pump markets within high wear 
industries such as oil and gas, power generation and chemicals.  We are 
confident that the food processing sector holds considerable potential for 
Hardide and that our unique coating will soon be incorporated into selected 
applications in this new market." 
 
 
                                      Ends 
 
 
For further information: 
 
 
Hardide plc 
Jim Murray Smith, Chief Executive /                    Tel: +44 (0) 1869 353 830 
 
Jackie Robinson, Head of Communications 
jmurray-smith@hardide.com                                        www.hardide.com 
 
 
Seymour Pierce 
Nicola Marrin                                          Tel: +44 (0) 20 7107 8000 
 
 
 
Media enquiries: 
Abchurch 
Chris Lane / Hugo Jenkins                              Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700 
chris.lane@abchurch-group.com                             www.abchurch-group.com 
 
 
 
Notes to editors: 
 
Hardide provides and applies tungsten carbide-based coatings to a wide range of 
engineering components.  The Company's patented technology is unique in that it 
combines both abrasion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating.  When 
applied to components, the technology is proven to offer dramatic cost savings 
through reduced downtime and extended component life.  Customers include leading 
companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pumps 
manufacturing, general engineering and aerospace. 
 
 
                      This information is provided by RNS 
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange 
END 
 
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