THE NEWS that a major factory in Yate will close down after Christmas has been labelled as a ‘big blow’ to the town.

Beko Europe recently confirmed 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.

This closure has been labelled as a ‘big blow' for the town by the MP.

MP Claire Young said: “The confirmation that Beko will be closing its factory doors in Yate forever on December 31 is a big blow for the town.

"Manufacturing on this site has been such a core part of the town's history, employing many local people who are now worried about the future.

"I met with Beko on my first day as an MP, and I will continue working to ensure those affected are properly supported in the months ahead." 

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council – who own the land – say they want to ensure it is used in the future ‘for the benefit of the whole community’.

They also say that they have begun the process of considering their next options.

A spokesperson said: “We are actively supporting the current workforce through the Yate Development Worker, who is coordinating support and liaising with the Beko team to provide employment coaching and support for employees as well as exploring the opportunities to provide skills training to the workforce to support their future employment.

“Looking forward, we want to ensure that however the land is used in the future, it is for the benefit of the whole community, reflective of the site’s history and heritage, having regard to the aims and objectives of the Yate Masterplan, which we published in 2023.

“We have begun the process of considering options for how the existing site and facilities, which is close to road and rail links, the busy town centre and existing homes, could be used.

“This work will continue over the coming months and any repurposing of existing facilities, or redevelopment, will take time and funding, but planning for the future of the site will be of strategic importance for the town of Yate and South Gloucestershire.

“In due course we will want to have conversations with our communities about the options, and we will engage closely with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure the site plays an important role in the future of the town.”

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.