A COMPANY behind the revival of UK washing machine manufacturing is expanding its workforce to support the venture.

Ebac is creating four graduate roles across its sales and marketing department.

The move comes just days after bosses told The Northern Echo they couldn’t rule out further expansion into tumble dryers after experiencing strong demand for washers.

Tony Hird, business development manager, said: “We are in a position to increase our presence in the region and these additional posts will help contribute to the company’s growth.”

The firm is the only UK-based washing machine manufacturer and has capacity to make 200,000 every year at its plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

It is working with independent retailers to sell the appliances, with dealers stretching from Whitby to Whitehaven, while it also has a deal with Newcastle’s Fenwick.

However, officials say they aim to extend that network across the whole of the country after being buoyed by the initial response.

Ebac’s status as the only UK-based washing machine maker fills a gap created when Indesit took production of Hotpoint machines to Italy.

However, the business is no stranger to entering new markets.

It previously bought the collapsed Scottish Highlands- based Icetech Freezers operation and was featured in a BBC documentary as it moved production of its chest freezer range, now known as Norfrost by Ebac, to the North-East.

It is also known for dehumidifiers and watercoolers.