Sussex-based Pyroban manufactures and fits equipment to protect machinery operated in potentially explosive industrial environments. Clients include oil and gas companies as well as paint, food and cosmetics manufacturers such as L’Oréal. In 2006 a factory and sales office was opened in China to service European clients with operations in the country. The office has won business with local companies, supplying clients with products and advice to meet new Chinese explosion-protection legislation. Geographic expansion and diversification into consultancy has helped the firm’s international sales to grow 46% a year, from £10.9m in 2007 to £23.2m in 2009.