DRU - a history of innovation

In 1754, a group of Dutch traders had a vision. To extract iron ore from the ground and build a foundry for metal production – so DRU was born.

In the 1930s, DRU engineers had a new vision. To create a gas fire that could function without a chimney. This led to the invention of the balanced flue system, the technology behind millions of gas appliances today.

Now, in the 21st century, this visionary zeal shows no signs of dimming. DRU appliances combine futuristic designs with ground-breaking gas fire technology.

DRU has been a market leader in the European fireplace industry since the 1980s, with its manufacturing base in the Netherlands and a distribution centre in Belgium.

The company’s UK subsidiary Drugasar was established in 1975 as a distributor of its functional heating appliances for churches, schools, offices and homes. In 2003, it entered the UK gas fire market with a selection of 8 models. The range has now grown to over 50, many of which have been specially designed for the UK consumer.

DRU entered the wood burning market in 2008 with the acquisition of Dutch stove manufacturer Dik Geurts. The Dik Geurts product range was rapidly integrated into DRU and now all models are produced at the company’s Duiven headquarters.

DRU is now a member of the Spartherm group of companies, having merged with the German wood stove manufacturer in 2017. This has expanded the product range to over 200 models, encompassing gas, wood, multifuel and bio-ethanol fires and stoves.
Throughout its history, DRU has continued to expand its distribution and now exports to a total of 28 countries in Europe and beyond. This has fuelled investment in research and development to become a global market leader in fireplace design and technology.

DRU employs experienced sales consultants that are responsible for both the retail and architectural specification sales channels. With these resources, architects and builders can be sure of first class service and technical support.

The result is that DRU gas and wood burning products are regularly specified by architects and builders for some of the UK’s most prestigious new residential developments, as well as being popular in the self-build and renovation sectors.

DRU appliances have also featured on numerous TV lifestyle programmes, including Grand Designs, The Restoration Man and DIY/SOS. They have also been seen in dramas such as the popular BBC series Hustle.