Household appliances company Electrolux has announced it will close its factory at Orange in the central west of New South Wales in 2015.

The announcement will mean the loss of around 500 jobs.

Electrolux manufactures at least 300,000 fridges and freezers each year at the plant to be sold under its name and brands including Westinghouse, Kelvinator and Simpson.

The Swedish multinational has been one of the biggest employers in Orange since it began manufacturing there in 1946.

More to come.