Happy birthday Barrus

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 marine market during the late 1920s and were pioneers of the concept that became known as the ‘package boat’; a series of boats already fully equipped at a range of prices to suit most pockets. Powerboat racing has always featured throughout Barrus’s long history enabling the company to showcase its engine brands under the most extreme conditions. Ernest Barrus established a Barrus Powerboat Racing Team in the 1920s, and again, in the 1970s and 1980s Mariner outboards were promoted through powerboat racing.

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. Mariner and Mercury outboard engines; Quicksilver leisure and fishing boats; John Deere and Yanmar marine and industrial engines, Cub Cadet garden machinery; WOLF-Garten and Wilkinson Sword garden tools are just a few of the well-respected brands in the Barrus portfolio.

Engineering excellence has always been a strong focus with expertise in specialist applications engineering support and the most modern custom-engine building facilities based at the company’s headquarters in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Proudly ‘Built in Bicester’, Barrus designs, develops and builds engines for customers across the UK and overseas.

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 marine market. FAST PIRS® was an engine that could be rapidly restarted after being submerged, pioneered by Barrus for the Armed Forces and rescue organisations, and there was also a multi-fuel outboard developed for the UK MoD capable of running on four different NATO fuels.

By Jake Frith