It all 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 constantly 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 1950’s 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 3000 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 a few of the well-respected brands in the Barrus portfolio.                                                                                                                            

Robert Glen, Chairman, E. P. Barrus Ltd and the grandson of the 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.”

Over the years Barrus has been responsible for numerous innovative products and solutions including many firsts to be introduced to the UK market. These range from the first claw hammer, ride-on lawnmower and gas-fired garden barbecue. The D-BAT, a diesel powered all-terrain vehicle popular with the military; FAST PIRS®, an engine that can be rapidly restarted after being submerged, pioneered by Barrus for the Armed Forces and rescue organisations, and a multi-fuel outboard developed for the UK MoD capable of running on four different NATO fuels.

“One hundred years in business represents a tremendous milestone,” commented Robert Muir, Managing Director, E. P. Barrus Ltd.  “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. 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.”