Exhibit 99.2

West Pharmaceutical Services Provides Update on Plant Explosion

LIONVILLE, Penn.--Jan. 30, 2003--Don Morel, President and Chief Executive
Officer, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST) provides the following
update on the explosion of unknown origin that occurred yesterday at its
pharmaceutical rubber manufacturing plant on Rouse Road in Kinston, North
Carolina. The facility employs 255 people and is used by West to manufacture
syringe plungers and intravenous (IV) components and compounds rubber materials
for use in West facilities throughout the United States. Kinston is one of
West's five U.S. rubber compounding facilities, and one of ten worldwide.

"The worldwide West family sends its thoughts and prayers to the victims of this
devastating incident, as well as to their families and loved ones," Morel said.
"We deeply appreciate the outpouring of offers of support and help from people
far and wide, and the continuing efforts of the rescue and recovery teams. Our
primary focus right now is helping those in need, restoring safety to the area
and working with federal, state and local officials to identify the root cause
of this situation."

Injury Toll

"To date, our understanding is that three employees have been confirmed dead
with 27 others injured, including eight in critical condition. We are in
continuing contact with area hospitals and will provide additional information
as we learn more."

Victim and Family Support

"I have personally had the opportunity to meet with members of the affected
families and will be visiting with victims at area hospitals during the day.
West has grief counselors on-site providing the victims and families with
counseling. We are meeting with all Kinston employees today regarding the
medical and salary benefits available to them from the company, as well as
alternative employment possibilities that may exist at other West facilities. We
are also in the process of identifying what might be available in the form of
disaster relief."

Cause of Explosion

"We do not know the cause of the explosion at this time. We are working
cooperatively with local and federal officials in an effort to determine the
cause of this incident and will provide additional information as we get the
facts. This is a process that could take days or longer."

Impact on West Business

"Clearly, the Kinston plant itself is not currently operational. However, while
I and others at West are focused on this catastrophe, our operations and
manufacturing teams worldwide are implementing our disaster recovery plans to
utilize alternate manufacturing facilities and to minimize any possible
disruption to our customers.

In addition, trading of West stock on the New York Stock Exchange has resumed,
effective today, following yesterday's temporary suspension."




About West Pharmaceutical Services

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST) is a global drug delivery
technology company that applies proprietary materials science, formulation
research and manufacturing innovation to advance the quality, therapeutic value,
development speed and rapid market availability of pharmaceuticals, biologics,
vaccines and consumer healthcare products. West is the world's premiere provider
of standard-setting systems and device components for parenterally administered
medicines and an emerging leader in the development of advanced formulation
technologies for the transmucosal delivery of drugs. Internationally
headquartered in Lionville, Pennsylvania, West supports its partners and
customers from 50 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe,
Mexico, Japan, Asia and the Pacific and Australia.

Certain statements contained in this Press Release that are not historical are
"forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "estimate," "expect," "intend",
"believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those
expressed in any forward looking statement and are dependent on a number of
factors including, but not limited to: sales demand, timing of customers'
projects; successful development of proprietary drug delivery technologies and
systems; negotiation and timing of execution of technology licensing agreements
for the continued development and marketing of drug delivery products;
regulatory approval for, and licensee and market acceptance of, products based
on drug delivery technologies; competitive pressures; the strength or weakness
of the U.S. dollar; variability of pension income; interest-rate fluctuations;
inflation; the cost of raw materials; the availability of credit facilities; and
statutory tax rates. For more information visit West at www.westpharma.com.