History
Pyropress Engineering Co Ltd has nearly 60 years of experience in the manufacture of process control systems. The company was founded in Bedford in 1951 by two employees of W.H. Allen the diesel engine manufacturer. They realised a market for switch sensors to provide protection and control functions for diesel engines, compressors, pumps and turbines. The range within a few years covered pressure switches, vacuum switches, differential pressure switches, temperature switches, level switches, flow switches and speed switches. The main markets from the 1950’s to the mid 1970’s was the UK and European marine industry and the power generation industry. Pyropress had various ranges of switches shock and vibration tested by the Ministry of Defence and approved for use on Royal Naval ships and submarines.
Pyropress also manufactured custom designed control panels which would accept the signals from the switches and provide alarm, control and indication as required. Over the years they designed their our own multi channel alarm systems and were forerunners in the technology of auto synchronisation and load sharing for multiple diesel generator installations.
Pyropress also worked in conjunction with BICERA (British Internal Combustion Engine Research Association) and designed, tested and manufactured crankcase explosion relief valves for use on diesel engines and compressors. These protect the crankcase from explosions in the event overheating components igniting the oil mist within the crankcase.
As Pyropress grew and needed more factory space they re-located to a purpose built factory in Plymouth in 1974 as a result of government incentives to bring manufacturing and employment opportunities to the South West of England.
Due to the rapid decline of the marine industry towards the end of the 1970’s Pyropress looked for new markets and identified the growing need for instruments suitable for installation in hazardous areas. The initial range successfully developed was the Trojan in 1977 and in 1982 the Titan series was added bringing a more compact design and 100% 316 stainless steel construction.
Pyropress obtained BS5470 approval in 1989 following the introduction and accreditation of a quality assurance programme. We currently have Lloyds ISO 9001: 2001 accreditation.
The Argus range was launched in 2001, it was the first switch on the market to have a engineering polymer enclosure whilst offering EExd and EExia approval. This is also available with a stainless steel enclosure and has ATEX certification as do the Trojan and Titan range of switches.
In 2001 after 50 years it was decided that due to a decline in the requirement for control panels they would close that side of the business and concentrate on markets for switches and transmitters. Comprehensive records of all of the control panels have been retained thus ensuring on going support for these products, i.e. spares supply and offering alternatives should the original component not be available.
Following the release of the ATEX directives Pyropress wanted to stay ahead of the game and had their range of switches fully ATEX compliant and certified 3 years before the mandatory date and well before any competitors. In similar vein the company approached the SIL IEC61508 requirements with equal vigor and Pyropress can offer all their switches suitable for SIL 2 designed systems (simplex configuration) and SIL 3 systems (voted configuration).
We now have Lloyds ISO 9001:2000 accreditation
