County Durham-based Ebac (www.ebac.com), which manufactures washing machines, dehumidifiers and water coolers, has reported a 2016 profits increase of more than 150%.

“Founder and chairman John Elliott said: “After our return to profit in 2015, it is fantastic to see an increase in that profit of 150% in just one year.

“This profit comes after investing more than £1 million in new-product development, which should mean higher sales going forward.”

“More people are realising the benefits of owning a dehumidifier to protect their home from condensation and damp. We have made significant investments in product development — specifically our patented Smart control system and our 3000 series, which features a new laundry drying mode.

“We have also signed new distribution deals with B&Q and Curry’s, so our dehumidifiers are now available in-store there, as well as on-line with Argos, Amazon, AO and others.”

Tony Hird, Ebac’s business development director, said: “We are proud to have invested in new-product development over the last few years, which have also seen us launch washing machines.

“These new products, plus a boost for exports caused by favourable currency exchange rates, have let us build on the success we had in 2015.

“We will continue to innovate, embrace the opportunities that leaving the EU will bring, and fly the flag for British manufacturing.”