A Newton Aycliffe electrical retailer has been selected to become one of the first in the country, to stock the first new British washing machine to be manufactured in 20 years. Ebac has prioritised independent North East retailers, in order to spread the maximum economic benefit to the region, as a result of its investment in new products. Bargain Buys in Shafto Way, has reached an agreement with Ebac to make the prestigious new washing machine available to its customers. The tie-up will see Bargain Buys’ customers amongst the first to have choice on the three new models from the North East-based manufacturer.
Ebac has invested £7m in the development of its washing machines, and has built collaborations with leading appliance experts, with over 30,000 man hours provided in research and development. This has given Ebac a world class understanding of washing machine technology and manufacture. The new models, which are the first new washing machines to be manufactured in Britain for more than twenty years, have a revolutionary dual fill, as an alternative to traditional cold fill machines. This offers the benefit of shorter wash times and lower energy bills. Ebac’s washing machines join an established stable of electrical goods. It is Europe’s leading manufacturer of bottled watercoolers and domestic dehumidifiers and with the recent acquisition of the Norfrost brand, it is also growing sales in the laundry and refrigeration sectors.
David Rowland of Bargain Buys said: “We are delighted to offer our customers a British-made product from our heartland. Bargain Buys’ customers in the Newton Aycliffe area will be delighted to know that they have first choice and that it comes with the revolutionary dual fill.” Tony Hird, business development manager at Ebac, said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from Bargain Buys, and indeed all of our retail partners in the North East. There seems to be a real appetite for a washing machine which is made right here in the North East and by supporting this product we are also supporting the local economy through jobs and services.” Ebac chairman John Elliott added: “If we are to resolve the UK’s economic problems, we need to start making things again and this is a huge step in the right direction. “During my 50 years in manufacturing, the trend has been for jobs to be lost in the North East. It is great to have this chance to bring sustainable jobs to the region. “It’s good for Ebac, it’s good for the North East and it’s good for the country.”
