A MANUFACTURING firm at the forefront of UK washing machine making has received support for its £7m venture from a senior House of Lords figure.

Business Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited Ebac, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to see how Government Regional Growth Fund (RGF) backing is helping the company.

The firm previously secured a £1m RGF grant from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, with a further £6m pumped in by bosses to fund their vision.

Last year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed a glimpse of Ebac’s work to become the only British-based maker of the kitchen appliance.

Full production is due to officially start this year and the family-run firm hopes to make up to 200,000 machines every year, creating about 100 jobs.

The UK imports about four million washers a year, with the sector barren after Indesit previously returned production of Hotpoint machines to Italy, though it does still makes tumble-dryers in the UK.

Pamela Petty, Ebac’s managing director, said the company, which already makes dehumidifiers, heat pumps and water coolers, was ready to fly the flag for UK manufacturing after months of buying and installing washing machine production equipment.

She also praised the RGF for its support.

Mrs Petty added: “Millions of washing machines are bought in the UK each year.

“We have spent years exploring the feasibility of making them, 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 RGF made all of this possible and will undoubtedly reap returns for us, the North-East and the country as a whole.

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

Baroness Neville-Rolfe added: “I’m delighted the Government has been able to help with a grant towards the cost of this project.”