FOR almost a century Bicester-based engineering company E.P. Barrus Ltd has been churning out all sorts from garden machinery to marine engines.

The company, based in Launton Road, is counting down the days to its 100th anniversary celebration on Monday, when it will mark the impressive milestone.

E.P. Barrus Ltd chairman, Robert Glen, the grandson of the founder Ernest Barrus said: "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."

The company formed in London on September 18, 1917, when Ernest Prouty Barrus set it up to supply Starrett precision tools including micrometers and measuring equipment for distribution across Europe.

Now, 100 years later, the company has expanded and makes products including garden machinery, industrial products and marine engines.

E.P. Barrus Ltd is now co-owned by the Glen family and MTD Holdings, a family-owned company based in the USA.

The companies which Barrus supply include Mariner and Mercury outboard engines, Quicksilver leisure and fishing boats, and Wilkinson Sword garden tools.

E.P. Barrus Ltd managing director, Robert Muir, said: "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."

The company recently announced that it would move to the self-build site at Graven Hill to consolidate its operations all under one roof.

It moved to Bicester in 1977 and for the past seven years has been searching for a site where it can expand.

E.P. Barrus Ltd is expected to move into the new site by 2019 when phase two of the Graven Hill development is handed over from the Ministry of Defence.

It will be built on the edge of the site, which will eventually become the UK's biggest 'self-build' site with about 1,900 self-build homes planned.