THE final part of a white goods manufacturer operating in a County Durham town could be closed.

When Electrolux announced it was closing its factory on the Merrington Lane Industrial Estate, in Spennymoor, it said it intended to retain its warehouse and distribution centre on the site.

The centre, employing 23 people, is now subject to a review, with a decision to be made on its future before Christmas. Staff were told of the development in a meeting yesterday morning.

A spokesman for the company said the review was necessary as the global economic downturn had resulted in fewer sales, reducing UK warehousing requirements since the start of this year.

A review is also taking place at the company’s warehouse in Le Havre, France.

The spokesman said: “A team made up of employees and local management will conduct a thorough review into the viability of the Spennymoor warehouse and report back to the company.

“A decision on whether to keep the Spennymoor warehouse open will be made before Christmas.”

The announcement comes days after the final 250 workers left the main plant. A year ago, the company announced it was closing the factory and moving production to Poland.

Last night, County Durham Development Company (CDDC) managing director Stewart Watkins, chairman of the response group set up to help the workers find new jobs, said: “Electrolux has informed CDDC that the review is taking place. Until we see the outcome of the review, we won’t know its full implications.

“However, CDDC has been leading the response group for the closure of the factory and that group has achieved a considerable amount with the workers who have left.

“Should this review result in closure of the distribution centre, CDDC and other agencies will be working to help those affected get back into work.”

Nearly one-tenth of the 500- strong workforce were made redundant in February, with the next 200 employees leaving in July this year.

With the final 250 employees having left, only a skeleton staff of about 12 remains.

More than half of the 232 staff who left in February and at the end of July are now in work elsewhere. Taking into consideration those who are retraining or have retired, and those who have found alternative employment, about 75 per cent of the 232 workers are considered “settled”.