MP WELCOMES MAJOR NEW INVESTMENT AT “WORLD-BEATING” YATE FACTORY

Northavon MP Steve Webb has today welcomed the promise of a multi-million pound investment by the Merloni group in their tumble dryer plant at Yate, following a visit to the factory. The MP was given a tour of the site by the UK Chief Executive, Marco Milani, and spoke to workers during the visit.

The factory is already the largest tumble dryer manufacturer in Europe and it is set to become the largest in the world, producing over one million dryers a year. The £15 million investment at Yate over the next three years is expected to secure 700 jobs.

Speaking after his visit, Steve Webb said:

"I am delighted to hear that Merloni are investing millions of pounds in the Yate factory over the coming years. At a time when thousands of manufacturing jobs are being lost every week, it is reassuring to know that the Yate plant has a long-term future.

I also welcomed the assurances that I received from the Chief Executive that the new technology will provide opportunities for those who work at Yate to acquire new skills and to experience an improved working environment. It is good to know that we have a world-beating company on our doorstep.”

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