Member Article

North East manufacturer expanding as a ‘made in Britain’ label

Consumers are backing British-made products after Argos and Amazon struck a deal to stock freezers from North East manufacturer Ebac.

Ebac bought the Norfrost freezers brand and equipment in 2013, setting up a new factory to relaunch the popular brand. They quickly secured support from the retail giants, who agreed to stock them in stores and online.

The first shipment of 60 litre, 100 litre, 175 litre and 200 litre chest freezers is selling fast in both the silver and white finishes and Ebac workers at the factory on Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe, are working hard to make sure there is plenty of stock to keep up with demand.

Ebac MD Pamela Petty said: “We have always known that British shoppers want Ebac’s British goods. They trust the quality and know that they are supporting jobs and the economy.

“It is important to us that as many people as possible get the chance to buy British, so having them available from Argos and Amazon is a huge boost.

“With the latest retail sales figures showing a record rise, the market is more vibrant than it has been for a decade and the time is right to expand Ebac’s powerful British brand.”

There was also support for Ebac’s plans to manufacture the only British-made washing machine with a survey by leading independent polling company ICM finding that 80% of consumers choosing a country of manufacture said they would turn to a British washing machine rather than an imported rival.

The survey, commissioned by Ebac, also found that the company’s decision to bring back the hot water fill feature, which has been dropped by most manufacturers, would be a welcome move, with almost half of those looking for a British-made machine saying they would want one with the hot fill feature.

Pamela added: “This is the first time we have gone out and asked how selling the only British-made washing machine would change shopping habits. It is very encouraging to see how many want to buy a British washing machine and are just waiting for the products to be available.

“They welcome a surge in British manufacturing and companies like Ebac listening to what they want and bringing back features like the hot fill.

“It’s all great news for the national and North East economy and means our employees can look forward to a fantastic new year.”