About Pyropress

Founded in Bedford by Andrew Thomson and John Clyma Pyropress Ltd identified 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 company also manufactured control panels, which in conjunction with the engine mounted sensors provided full engine indication, control, alarm and shutdown functions.

Pyropress worked in conjunction with BICERA (British Internal Combustion Engine Research Association) and designed, tested and released for manufacture a range of crankcase explosion relief valves for use on diesel engines and compressors. These protect the engines from explosions in the event overheating components igniting the oil mist within the crankcase.

The main markets were 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. Over the years they designed their own multi-channel alarm systems and were forerunners in the technology of auto synchronisation and load sharing for multiple diesel generator installations.

As Pyropress grew and needed more factory space they re-located to a purpose built factory in Plymouth 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 Trojan range was successfully introduced and was adopted by many OEM rotating machinery manufacturers.

The Titan series was added, this was the first switch designed specifically for offshore applications, for the arduous saliferous environments a compact stainless steel housing was offered.

The Argus range was launched, it was the first switch on the market to have an engineering polymer enclosure whilst offering Exd and Exia approval. It is also offered with a stainless steel enclosure.

After 50 years it was decided that due to a decline in the requirement for control panels we would close that side of the business and concentrate on markets for switches, valves 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.

Titan, Guardian, Argus and Trojan switches were certified by a third party under SIL IEC61508 requirements. Products can be offered for SIL 2 designed systems (simplex configuration) and SIL 3 systems (voted configuration).

Pyropress were acquired by Pyroban Ltd who design and manufacture components enabling diesels engines to be used in hazardous areas. Our addition offered an increased range of instrumentation to their customers.

Series 2000 Smart transmitters introduced covering pressure, vacuum, differential pressure, temperature, level and flow. ATEX and IECEx certification is offered with options of epoxy painted aluminium or stainless steel enclosures.

Caterpillar Inc. acquired Pyroban in a move towards being a leader in diesel engines for hazardous environments.

AEx certification obtained on our Perseus range of switches. First range of Pyropress switches to have the option of Tri-certification.

Pyropress & Pyroban acquired by the Longacre Group (formerly SEA Equity) who are a private investment company focused on backing small and medium sized companies across the UK and Europe.