A NORTH East firm, which is bringing washing machine manufacturing back to the UK, is building a new production line as part of its £7m venture.

Newton Aycliffe-based Ebac, which already employs 200 people producing watercoolers, dehumidifiers and air coolers, says that the new line will double its workforce.

Recruitment is now under way to help expand Ebac’s accounts and IT departments to cater for the overall expansion of the company.

The new facility, which will be built in the firm’s existing factory, will cater for the extra workload being created by a new range of washing machines, the first of which are expected off the production line in spring 2014.

In autumn last year, it was announced that Ebac will start to make these washing machines from its Newton Aycliffe site, creating more than 200 jobs.

Ebac’s group managing director Pamela Petty said: “When we considered our ability to manufacture washing machines and other appliances, we saw a strong, economically viable market, which we are fully capable of serving. Additionally, we know there is a strong, willing workforce in this area, and we believe we can recruit an excellent team for this extra work.

“Having looked at the options of developing a brand new site, we felt that to expand what we do in our existing facility would only serve to increase the efficiency of production across all of our manufacturing lines.

“As well as making the processes more efficient, it adds even greater strength and security to our position as a County Durham employer, which is good news for Ebac, the North East and the wider economy.”