Refrigerators are no longer ‘Made in Australia’ as the final one rolled off the production line at a factory in Orange, central west New South Wales. The Electrolux plant bid farewell to its last fridge as the remaining 300 staff signed its stainless steel back, marking the end of an era.
Steve Brakenridge, the longest-serving employee with 46 years of service, described the final fridge as “exceptional.” This flagship model, a side-by-side ice water refrigerator, represented decades of manufacturing excellence. Brakenridge highlighted the significance of the moment, noting the impact on Electrolux as they transition production to other facilities.
Over its 70-year history, the factory in Orange has produced millions of refrigerators under brands like Westinghouse and Kelvinator. Brakenridge reflected on the widespread presence of these fridges in Australian households, emphasizing the historical legacy embedded in every unit that left the assembly line.
The closure of the Electrolux factory in 2016 evoked mixed emotions among the employees, with many facing uncertain futures. While some, like Brakenridge, saw it as an opportunity to retire, others grappled with the sudden end to their livelihoods. The Jones family, with over 70 years of combined service at the plant, expressed sadness at parting ways with colleagues and the company.
As workers bid farewell to the factory, many captured the moment with ‘selfies’ alongside the last fridge, a poignant memento of their time at Electrolux. The signed refrigerator will soon find a new home at the Orange Regional Museum, commemorating the factory’s rich history and the dedicated individuals who contributed to its success.
While 210 employees prepared to clock off for the final time, 90 would remain for several months to oversee the decommissioning of the factory. Electrolux announced plans to sell the building, a structure with roots dating back to its WWII origins as a munitions plant, underscoring the historical significance of the site.
The closure of Australia’s last refrigerator factory marked the end of an era in manufacturing, signaling a shift in the industry landscape. The legacy of Electrolux in Orange serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of generations of workers who shaped the country’s manufacturing sector.
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