High-tech medical manufacturer EMS Physio is bucking the trend after securing an export deal to China. The Wantage-based firm has sent 100 electronic printed circuit boards to a Chinese company after an approach through its website.

The directors are hoping it is just the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the company, Shenzhen Creative Industry, which is based in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong.

Managing director James Greenham, pictured holding one of the circuit boards, said: "It s a bit like sending coals to Newcastle, as China is normally the natural choice to manufacture printed circuit boards."

After being contacted, EMS met officials from the Chinese firm at a trade show in Germany and then supplied 100 of the boards, worth about £20,000. The Chinese will use them in medical equipment, which is similar to the range of electronic physiotherapy and rehabilitation machines made by EMS.

Mr Greenham added: "It is a reasonable order for a company like us."

EMS is a family firm, which was set up by Mr Greenham's grandfather Charles and has been operating for 82 years."

EMS moved to Wantage from London in 1969 and has just completed a move to purpose-built premises at Grove Technology Park, to be opened by the Duke of Kent later this month.