Exhibition to Document Factory’s Social History Prior to Closure

An upcoming exhibition will document the social history of employees at a tumble dryer factory, covering several decades, prior to its impending closure. Appliances manufacturer Beko Europe informed its workforce last month that its Hotpoint UK facility, situated in Yate, near Bristol, is scheduled to cease operations on 31 December, leading to 142 job losses. Located on Station Road, the factory has operated for 107 years, known by various names and identities, and also functioned as a social club for a significant period. Leah Collier, who serves as the community projects manager for Yate Town Council, is encouraging individuals to contribute their stories “so we can collect them for future generations to look back and enjoy just as much as we have”. The premises originated as a Royal Flying Corps base in 1917, subsequently becoming Parnall’s during World War Two. Its identity later evolved through names such as Jackson’s, Creda, Whirlpool, and currently Beko. Organized by Yate Town Council, the exhibition will reflect on many decades of significant social engagement among the factory’s employees and the surrounding community. Ms Collier noted that the social club played a “really key” role in facilitating community events, sports clubs, and birthday parties. Ms Collier stated: “When we heard the factory would be closing we understood that would be quite impactful on our community, and it would mean a lot to a lot of people to see that that site closed.” “Whenever a large employer in a small town closes it’s really sad for everybody,” Ms Collier further commented. She continued: “Everybody that’s worked there, that currently works there and everyone who has gone through those doors in a social way since 1917.” “It has a social club there which was really key.” She also expressed her desire for the exhibition to provide people with “a place where they can have comfort, reminisce, meet other people and share generational stories”. The exhibition is scheduled to open on 3 December and will run at least until 1 February, 2025. A spokesperson for Hotpoint UK stated: “We understand the impact the news has for our employees, our on-site contractors, and for the whole community. “We are continuing to provide support to all of our employees including career workshops, navigating change, financial planning and access to career resource and coaching networks to support them through this process. “We’re committed to working with the local community to celebrate the site’s rich history and heritage and will be promoting the exhibition extensively.” For updates, BBC Bristol can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.