A FAMILY-RUN freezer maker has officially opened its new factory as it returns a British-made product to the market.

Ebac, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is making Norfrost chest freezers.

The company, known for its dehumidifiers and water coolers, hopes to see at least 50,000 appliances roll off its production line every year, creating about 100 jobs in the process.

It is also just weeks away from becoming the UK’s only washing machine manufacturer, as it targets growth in the lucrative white goods market, which could deliver up to 100 further jobs, adding to its existing 220-strong workforce.

The official opening was carried out by former CBI director general Lord Digby Jones, after the firm appeared on his BBC Two show, Digby Jones: The New Troubleshooter, where it hoped to showcase production to a national audience.

Despite delays with machinery, most notably faults with a machine to make foam for the freezers, Lord Jones said he was proud of Ebac’s drive and desire to continue the British brand.

He told The Northern Echo: “As I came through the door, I thought ‘I’ve come home’, because there is a degree of belonging here.

“It never crossed my mind that they would not succeed.

“I admire the company; they got on with it and are not frightened to take this and the washing machines on.

“This company is emblematic of good business and I’m very proud of them.”

Ebac bought the collapsed Icetech Freezers, moving production of its Norfrost domestic freezer range from Castletown, in the Scottish Highlands, to Radius Products’ former plant in Aycliffe.

Icetech fell victim to the demise of electrical retailer Comet and competition from cheaper Chinese imports, with Ebac buying the Norfrost name, equipment, designs and copyright agreements.

Pamela Petty, Ebac’s managing director, said while the process had been difficult, she was delighted it was now making freezers, with distribution deals in place with Argos and Euronics helping its cause.

She added: “It has been an eventful journey, and I’m not just talking about the distance from Castletown to here.

“We have finally got an operating chest freezer factory.

“It may have taken a little longer than we thought, but we haven’t rested on our laurels and have improved the products.

“We have taken a great British product and made it even better, and Digby has been a significant part of it, which is why it was great to welcome him back.

“It is all about building the company.

“If we want to continue growing, we are unlikely to do that just from dehumidifiers.

“If you want to grow, you have to look at other products.”