A company which specialises in fire-resistant materials has recorded a 50 per cent growth in just three years.

Pyroban Group, based in Shoreham, has joined the Sussex MegaGrowth league table following a 47.9 per cent increase in turnover since 2000.

The privately-owned firm specialises in modifying industrial vehicles, such as fork-lift trucks, for use in potentially explosive environments.

In addition, it also supplies kits and components to the oil and gas industry.

Last year, Pyroban's consolidated turnover was £13 million. At the beginning of 2000 it was just under £6.5 million.

Financial director Parviz Behdad said: "Rapid growth has never been the driving aim of our company but attention to product development, customer service and people has certainly helped our success."

The company is pursuing a five-year business plan to expand the geographical area it covers and to launch new products and services.

Sussex MegaGrowth 25 is a joint initiative by KPMG and Lloyds TSB Corporate to recognise the county's most successful companies.

Thursday March 11, 2004