E. P. Barrus Ltd has revealed that September 18, 2017 marks its official 100-year birthday.
The company began in 1917, when Ernest Prouty Barrus set up a company in the UK to supply Starrett precision tools including micrometers and measuring equipment and distribute them throughout Europe. Over the last century, Barrus has adapted to new opportunities and challenges and diversified into multiple market sectors including Marine, Garden and Industrial. E. P. Barrus is co-owned by the Glen family and MTD Holdings, also a family owned company based in the USA, and one of the largest producers of outdoor power equipment in the world.
Barrus entered the garden machinery market during the late 1950s and introduced the first Barrus-made lawnmowers sold under the brand name of Mowmaster. These “Direct collect®” machines were ahead of their time not only because they featured the unique Barrus grass collection system, but they were also the first composite plastic mowers on the world market. Barrus went on to become MTD’s first export customer in Europe in 1972 with the distribution of a range of garden machinery sold under the Lawnflite brand name.
Barrus has continued to introduce new, innovative products with potential to the British market. Today, the company has long-standing partnerships with global suppliers, representing over 30 leading brands which are distributed through over 3,000 authorised dealers nationwide. Cub Cadet garden machinery, WOLF-Garten and Wilkinson Sword garden tools, Mariner and Mercury outboard engines, Quicksilver leisure and fishing boats, John Deere and Yanmar marine and industrial engines, are just some of the brands in the Barrus portfolio
E. P. Barrus Ltd chairman Robert Glen, grandson of founder Ernest Barrus, commented: “As we celebrate our centenary we reflect on our proud past and most importantly express our sincere thanks to our customers, suppliers, distributors and partners, and loyal employees who have put their trust in Barrus and helped build the company’s success.”
E. P. Barrus Ltd managing director Robert Muir added: “One hundred years in business represents a tremendous milestone. Not only are we looking back but also forward, focusing on the company’s future to build on our success and best serve our customers. 2017 is, indeed, a momentous year with recent announcements including our exciting new location plans which will enable us to grow the business – including the acquisition of the gardening gloves and footwear company Town & Country, and the engine supply contract awarded to Barrus by Atlas Elektronik UK, who will build the £48M next generation Royal Navy workboats. As our centennial strapline states, ‘We are celebrating our first 100-years, gearing up for the next’.”
