Business Minister in the House of Lords Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited Ebac

Business Minister in the House of Lords Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited appliances manufacturer Ebac to learn how a Regional Growth Fund grant is supporting a production line, of UK-made washing machines.

The line is being developed with support from a £1million RGF grant and a £6m injection from the North West-based company’s own funds.

Work to establish the production line follows five years of planning and ongoing research and development.

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The company aims to double its 200-strong workforce as it expands its product range (it already products Norfrost freezers) at its premises in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe was given an update on the development of washing machine production by Ebac managing director Pamela Petty and met members of the team.

Pamela Petty said: “The RGF process has worked well for Ebac, enabling the company to establish the manufacture of washing machines.

“Around three million washing machines are bought in the UK each year, all of them imported. We have spent years exploring not only the feasibility of manufacturing washing machines, but also the processes involved and we are very confident of having a high quality, competitive product on the market in 2015.

“The money from the Regional Growth made all of this possible and will undoubtedly reap returns for Ebac, the North East and the country as a whole.

“Baroness Neville-Rolfe was very supportive of our objectives and impressed with the level of detail that has gone into the planning, which will soon become a reality.”