The mayor of Orange has praised the contribution of the Electrolux factory to the community and said that state and federal governments could have done more to keep doors open.
As reported earlier, the factory, which opened in 1942 – initially to make munitions for the Second World War – ended production yesterday, with 210 jobs lost. The closure was announced in October 2013.
The Central West Daily reports Mayor John Davis as saying Orange had been let down.
“Governments of all persuasions have a lot to answer for as I think there have been missed opportunities,” he said.
While the phasing out of production helped minimise the impact of job losses, it also decreased the chance of government support for the workers.
“If, for example, there was an announcement this place was to close in a few days after 70 years of manufacturing, the state and federal governments may have come forward with some form of assistance,” said Davis.
Ninety workers will remain employed at the site for the rest of year for decommissioning.