Nobel Enterprises Ltd Based in Scotland –– RFG purchased this nitrocellulose business from ICI in 2002. In what is a mature industry with tight capacity and little top line growth, RFG’s achievements include: • restructuring internal operations • improving productivity • reducing costs • selective but significant investment for improved long-term environmental compliance • reassessment of external strategic options (see www.nitrocellulose.com or www.nobel-enterprises.com and click on ‘Nitrocellulose’ for details) Nobel Fire Systems Ltd Nobel Fire Systems offers a comprehensive range of fire suppression services, from risk-based analysis, consultation and design to distribution and installation – for example, to suppress fires in cooking appliances and extraction systems where hot oil and grease present a risk of ignition. Nobel Fire Systems only started trading in September 2003, having previously been a fledgling and under-invested division of the Energetic Technologies business described above. However, recognising its potential for high growth and true positioning in a different market segment, RFG created a separate and distinct business to focus on these growth opportunities domestically and internationally. (see www.nobel-fire-systems.com for details) Footnote Troon Investments Ltd Based in Scotland on the same site as Nobel Enterprises Ltd, this propellants and detonators business was also purchased from ICI in 2002. Offering mainly bespoke solutions to defence companies, RFG’s activity concentrated on stimulating growth in this small but profitable business. The shares in this company were sold for £22m in September 2005, aquired by Chemring plc. (see www.energetic-technologies.com for details)