Barrus stays in Bicester – thanks to Graven Hill Development Co.

Published on: 16/05/2017

After a seven-year search, E.P. Barrus Ltd has found a new site enabling the company to consolidate its operations under one roof and remain in Bicester.

The company will be relocating to a 16-acre site which forms part of commercial space allocated on the edge of the unique Graven Hill Development to the south of Bicester, formerly owned by the MoD.

Barrus manufactures, markets and distributes its products across a wide range of sectors including marine, garden and industrial. Engineering excellence has always been a strong focus with expertise in specialist applications engineering support and the most modern custom-engine building facilities right here in Bicester. Proudly ‘Built in Bicester’, the company designs, develops and builds engines for customers across the UK and overseas.

Moving from London to Bicester in 1977, Barrus chose Bicester for its ideal geographical position being at the centre of communications in Roman Britain. This is just as important today as the company looks forward to the next phase in its 100-year history. “We are delighted to announce our exciting relocation plans in this, our centennial year,” commented Robert Muir, Managing Director, E. P. Barrus Ltd. “Our growth plans have been constrained by the size of our premises here in Launton Road and it has always been our intention to expand if possible our business within the Oxfordshire area.”

Mr Muir explains, “Only through the efforts and support of a number of key people have we been successful in finding a suitable, affordable site to enable us to remain in Bicester. I would personally like to thank Karen Curtin and Adrian Unitt, Managing Director and Operations Director, Graven Hill Village Development Company, Cherwell District Council, Councillor Michael Waine, Chairman, Oxfordshire County Council and Bicester Town Councillors Richard Mould and Rose and Lawrie Stratford, amongst others.”

Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill Village Development Company said:  “We are delighted to welcome Barrus as the lead occupier for the Graven Hill site.  Whilst retaining jobs in the town is vitally important, attracting a business with an enviable reputation for quality products is a coup and endorses our belief that Graven Hill is an ideal location for businesses due to its excellent central location and ease of access to both the national road and rail networks not to mind a fabulous place to choose to live!”

As a major employer in the town, Barrus has maintained a commitment to recruiting local people and has developed long-term relationships with Oxfordshire schools, colleges and universities offering work experience placements and apprenticeships to young engineering students. Many of these students have taken up a career in engineering and have become long-standing Barrus employees.

“We are looking forward to the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Barrus, and integrating into the new village community within the innovative, Graven Hill Development,” Mr Muir continues. “In addition to securing the future of our existing, loyal workforce, I am confident that we will be creating more job opportunities over the next few years in support of our long-term, strategic business growth. “As our centennial strapline states, ‘We are celebrating our first 100-years, gearing up for the next.”

It is anticipated that Barrus will occupy the new site in 2019 when the Phase 2 land transfer from MoD to Graven Hill is due to complete. Barrus is working with Graven Hill Village Development Company to see if it is possible to secure earlier occupancy.

Back to entries