Member Article

Heywood retailer flies the flag for British manufacturing

Crawford Domestic Appliances, Heywood, is flying the flag for British manufacturing and offering customers the opportunity to buy the only washing machines to be made in the UK.

North East based manufacturer Ebac prioritised local independent retailers for its initial distribution network to spread the maximum economic benefit and to make sure the premium quality machines are accessible to everyone.

Ebac has invested £7m in the development of its washing machines, and has built collaborations with leading appliance experts, with more than 120,000-man hours provided in research and development. This has resulted in a world-class product and a comprehensive understanding of washing machine technology and manufacture.

The new models, which are the first new washing machines to be manufactured in Britain for more than 10 years, offer a revolutionary and environmentally caring hot-fill option, as an alternative to traditional cold fill machines. This gives the benefit of shorter wash times and lower energy bills. Ebac is also offering up to 7-year parts warranties on all washing machines.

Ebac’s washing machines join an established stable of electrical goods. Ebac is Europe’s leading manufacturer of bottled watercoolers and the company manufactures the UK’s best-selling domestic dehumidifiers with air purification and laundry drying features.

Ebac is aiming to sign up 400 retailers across Britain which all want to sell British goods.

John Elliott, Chairman of Ebac has revealed the true scale of how much of our money makes its way back to the banks of overseas manufacturers.

Last year alone the UK imported more than 30% of its goods from overseas compared to less than 22% in the 1960s. This equates to more than £425 billion* being spent each year on goods made by overseas manufacturers, which are then imported into the UK and sold to UK shoppers.

Almost all the money spent on imported products will end up going back overseas with only a very small amount remaining in the UK to help support our own economic growth and create UK jobs. However, all monies generated from buying 100% British products remains inside the UK providing an uplift to employment and to the British economy.

John Elliott said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from Crawford Domestic Appliances, a family run business since 1993, and indeed all of our retail partners. There seems to be a real appetite for a washing machine which is made right here in the UK.

“We should be prioritising buying British. If people vote with their wallets, they will help rebuild our own manufacturing industries along with an expanding potential for export.

We all want to support a growing economy capable of providing quality jobs for ourselves and our children, all it takes is for us to spend our money on British made goods wherever possible.“

Stuart Crawford, co-owner of Crawfords, said: “There is certainly a demand for British made appliances and we are pleased to have partnered with Ebac and its latest venture to bring these British-made washing machines to our customers.

“The Ebac washing machines are very sought after by our customers due to many factors, in particular the seven-year guarantee that the models come with. Buying British is often a priority for customers and we’re delighted to be able to provide this for them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .