E. P. Barrus Ltd is pleased to announce that they have secured a Trade Licence Agreement to sell and market the Wilkinson Sword range of garden tools in the UK and Eire.

Wilkinson Sword Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energizer Holdings Inc., had a previous arrangement in place which ended early last year. However, with very strong market demand (Wilkinson Sword market share was 23.4% in 2008), the company was keen to maintain a presence in the garden tool sector and to build on the market leading position the brand had already enjoyed. Barrus’ appointment as the UK’s exclusive distributor of Wolf-Garten products last year following the acquisition of Wolf GmbH and Co. KG by MTD (Modern Tool and Die Company, Cleveland, Ohio) was a determining factor in securing the agreement. The continuing success of the premium Wolf brand combined with the Barrus infrastructure demonstrated the necessary competence to build and develop the Wilkinson brand.

Barrus has developed a totally unique, innovative range of Wilkinson Sword products designed to meet the expectations of the brands existing loyal customer base and to appeal to new gardeners looking for recognisable garden tools of a certain quality. Reflecting 100 years of cutting excellence, the 2010 range comprises mostly German engineered products including pruners, shears, loppers and a selection of fixed handle tools all featuring the high quality design and build quality that you would expect from this trusted brand. There is also the innovative, Wilkinson Sword Space-Saver CLICK system, an interchangeable tool range comprising 17 tool heads and 4 lightweight aluminium handle options.

The brand reflects a new clean, contemporary design whilst still retaining the classic black, gun-metal and silver of the traditional Wilkinson Sword range. Easy to recognise with a clear, concise presentation, the product packaging and display systems have been designed to make product selection as easy as possible for the consumer.

Wilkinson Sword joins Barrus’s newly formed Tools Division created in September 2009 to handle the distribution of Wolf-Garten. Nick Hills heads up the division as general manager with new key appointments including Ray Newman, merchandising manager and Louise Turton, marketing manager. The sales organisation falls under the control of Paul Jupp who has considerable experience with the Wolf brand and he will be supported by the appointment of a new Key Accounts Manager. The existing team of Barrus Sales Agents will be responsible for both the Wolf-Garten and Wilkinson Sword brands along with the Barrus Lawn & Garden Area Sales Managers who will develop the brands with the specialist garden machinery dealers.

“The combined strength of the Wolf-Garten and Wilkinson Sword brands fully supported by Barrus’s operational expertise will help us achieve our vision to create a one stop Tool Shop bringing together a premium quality branded tool offering, says Nick Hills, general manager of the Lawn & Garden division. We will continue to build and develop both brands during 2010 and we will be unveiling plans for the 2011 season at forthcoming events during the year.”