Ansell Healthcare Renews Commitment to Latex Gloves; Pioneer to Continue Manufacturing Latex Gloves; Plans to Implement Strategies to Address Market Conditions


RED BANK, N.J.-- Sept. 15, 2006--Scott Papier, Regional Director, Professional/Consumer, Ansell Americas, announces that Ansell Healthcare Products, LLC will continue to manufacture, market, and sell latex gloves, preferred by many healthcare professionals because of their superior feel and infection control capabilities. As part of this commitment, Ansell Healthcare USA is developing programs that are designed to meet growing customer demand for latex gloves and address the market dynamics associated with latex. Mr. Papier also announced the company expects to expand its line of latex-free products as part of its position as the world's largest manufacturer of protective gloves.

"Ansell has been a pioneer in latex glove dipping technology for more than 100 years. We developed the first disposable, RTA (Ready-To-AutoClave) latex surgical gloves, the first pre-sterilized, disposable latex surgical gloves, and the first orthopedic and microsurgical latex surgical gloves. Our commitment to latex remains strong and we will not abandon our customers who prefer latex gloves. Every effort will be taken to meet the increased demand, though it will take time for our programs to take full effect," said Mr. Papier.

Ansell USA is addressing current market conditions associated with latex, which include rising costs and a reduction in latex glove manufacturers. Ansell has 17 manufacturing sites across 7 different countries and has contractual relationships with suppliers to enhance capacity when needed. Ansell has recently initiated communications with its distributor partners to assess the present market conditions, as well as to determine the on-going market need for latex gloves. This data is being used by Ansell's Supply Chain Management team to accurately forecast and deliver the high quality latex products healthcare professionals have come to expect from Ansell.

The company has recently announced as part of its year-end address that it will invest more on research, new product development, and business development, as part of its overall operating strategy. Ansell is committed to serving and supplying latex and latex-free medical-quality gloves for the long-term, and stands ready to answer customer needs.

No other glove company can match Ansell's breadth of products. Among the latex products manufactured by Ansell are brand names MICRO-TOUCH®, Conform® and Medi-Touch exam gloves and Encore surgical gloves. A full line of synthetic polymer gloves such as Synsation vinyl and Affinity neoprene are also available from the company.

About Ansell Limited

With its regional headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey, Ansell is a global leader in healthcare barrier protective products. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Ansell employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in three main business segments: Occupational Healthcare, supplying hand protection to the industrial market; Professional Healthcare, supplying surgical and examination gloves to healthcare professionals; and Consumer Healthcare, supplying sexual health products and consumer hand protection. Information on Ansell and its products may be found at www.ansellhealthcare.com or by calling 800.952.9916.

Contacts

Carol Carrozza,
Ansell Healthcare Products, LLC,
732-345-5344,

ccarrozza@ansell.com

Patrick Brightman,
SGW,
973-263-5475,

pbrightman@sgw.com

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