IT has been announced that a major factory in Yate will close down after Christmas.  

Beko Europe has confirmed the shocking news that its Hotpoint site in Station Road will shut on Tuesday, December 31.

It comes after a consultation process was announced in July where it was revealed 150 people could be made redundant. 

The Gazette has been informed that approximately 142 jobs will be affected. 

The factory - which is a subsidiary of Beko - makes tumble dryers for markets across the UK and Ireland.

A spokesperson from Beko Europe said: “The Consultation process announced on 5 July has now been completed and Beko Europe has confirmed the closure of the Hotpoint UK Appliances site at Yate, United Kingdom, which will close on 31st December 2024. 

“All those affected have been notified. 

“We are continuing to provide support to all of our employees and are grateful for their continued efforts and engagement throughout. 

“We have also notified the site’s MP and local councillors of the news.”

The Station Road site first opened in 1917 as an aircraft repair centre and is currently a manufacturing facility for tumble dryers. 

Throughout its history, the site has manufactured domestic appliances for brands including Parnall, Jackson, and Whirlpool.

It has also often run annual STEM tournaments where local pupils are encouraged to design and build LEGO robots.