A FAMILY-RUN manufacturer is just days away from seeing a £7m white goods venture become a reality, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Ebac expects to launch its washing machines in September.

The business has already made scores of machines to iron out production processes and issues with a defective part.

However, the company, based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, says it is now ready to ramp up manufacturing over the summer.

John Elliott, founder and chairman, revealed it aims to have started full production by mid-July, with work operating “all in one shot” after more than 100,000 hours of testing.

The project was previously hit by problems with a gasket, which have now been remedied, and Mr Elliott said officials are now turning their attention to marketing to secure orders.

He told The Northern Echo: “We had a problem with the gasket, which we have sorted out, and we are still testing and going through routines and meeting regulations.

“We have made products in batches but we are going to run it for real in about two weeks’ time.

“We have over-tested it really, but it is better to be that way.

“We will run it all in one shot, rather than small batches, making sure they are reliable.”

The business, also known for its watercoolers and dehumidifiers, has more recently carried out tests on machines’ load balance, and will become the only UK-based washer maker when its apparatus is officially launched.

The Northern Echo previously reported Ebac had secured a deal to sell a selected range of models online through Currys, and Mr Elliott confirmed it was talking to interested parties to extend its reach.

He said: “We are trying to tie up retailers and that is going well; there’s tremendous enthusiasm about it.

“We are looking at independent retailers and the response so far has been very positive.

“We are taking our time and it’s going to be right.”

However, Mr Elliott said the business will not seek to take advantage of customers just because its washers will carry the Union flag of origin.

He added: “We do not expect people to pay more for buying British; they shouldn’t have to.

“If we make a smaller margin, so be it.

“It has got to be the right price.

“Buying British might swing someone but it not a reason to buy it; it’s got to be a good washing machine first and do the job.

“We are not going to hide behind the flag.”

The company's washing machine production line was last year opened by the Duke of Kent.