A LAWNMOWER maker is creating hundreds of jobs as it ramps up robotic cutter production, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Husqvarna Group is taking on around 800 temporary staff to meet seasonal summer demand at its factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

However, bosses also aim to fill 75 permanent posts.

The plans come just months after Husqvarna told the Echo it expected Aycliffe to double output, with spending planned on equipment to ensure the plant retains its place as the company’s headquarters for robotic mowers.

The proposals overshadow Husqvarna’s temporary take-up last year, when officials sought 650 staff to cover warm weather demand when clamour for its products traditionally rises as customers tackle their gardens.

A spokeswoman for the wide-ranging Husqvarna group, which is known for its Flymo, Gardena and McCulloch brands, told the Echo the plans were a reflection of the business’ commitment to Aycliffe, where robotic mowers will be paramount to its future.

She said: “We see continued growth and demand for robotic mowers and will need to hire around 800 temporary workers this year and are planning to hire around 75 people permanently during the course of this year.

“As world-leader in robotic mowing, we continuously launch new models to support our future growth.

“We will continue to invest in new equipment in the form of assembly lines and injection moulding machines, as well as making investments in the facilities we have on site, such as more storage space.

“We are also looking to recruit a number of technical personnel, in particular maintenance staff in moulding and assembly, to support and continue production.

“There’s a lot of exciting things going on.”

The plans follow a vow from Pavel Hajman, Husqvarna division president.

Speaking to the Echo in September, Mr Hajman said the business would install new moulding machines and assembly tools to cater for the rising appeal of robot cutters across Europe, as gardeners are increasingly drawn to the machines’ ability to work unassisted at night and in the wet.

Speaking from the company’s Swedish headquarters, he said: “We have seen a very high growth in robotic mowers and believe that will continue in the coming years.

“For that reason, we need to increase capacity and there are further opportunities (to take on) people over time.

“Aycliffe is tremendously important for us; it is the headquarters for robot mowers and the only plant that is making them.

“The production capacity volume has tripled over the last two years and I expect it to treble the size it is today in terms of output by 2019 or 2020.”

The company added a recent pay dispute with a number of workers at Aycliffe has been resolved.

The Unite union said a deal, centring upon a 2.3 per cent offer, accompanied by a oneoff payment of £300, wasn’t enough since it ignored workers’ efforts in delivering a record year for the business.

However, a deal has since been agreed.