More than 140 people laid off as company confirms closure

The owner of a tumble dryer factory has confirmed it has been closed with the loss of at least 140 jobs.

White goods firm Beko Europe told staff last month that the Hotpoint UK factory in Yate, near Bristol, would close on December 31.

The decision means the end of more than a century of production at the facility on Station Road.

A spokesman for Beko Europe said all affected staff had been informed and were “grateful for their continued efforts”.

The company had staff warned about potential job losses were incurred when the company began consultations in July.

The factory produces tumble dryers for the UK and Irish markets.

The facility is located on the site of the former Parnall aircraft factory, where more than 50 people were killed in two air raids in 1941, and production at the site dates back approximately 107 years.

Following the apparent loss of profits, the company began consulting on the closure of the plant.

Beko’s regional general manager Teresa Arbuckle previously told the BBC that demand for appliances manufactured here was “declining rapidly as consumers buy more advanced and energy-efficient models”.

Beko Europe spokesperson said in his statement:

“The consultation process announced on 5 July has been completed and Beko Europe has confirmed the closure of the Hotpoint UK Appliances facility in Yate, UK, which will close on 31 December 2024.

“All those affected have been notified. We continue to provide support to all our staff and are grateful for their continued efforts and involvement. We have also notified the site’s MP and local councilors of the news.”

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