The federal government believes there is a future for manufacturing in Australia despite Electrolux's "disappointing" decision to close its factory in central western NSW.
The future of 500 Electrolux workers is at risk after the Swedish whitegoods giant says it will close a plant in Orange.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) NSW secretary Tim Ayers called on the federal government to intervene to save the jobs at the Orange plant.
The Electrolux plans to wind down production and close the plant in five to seven years was a king hit to Australian manufacturing, he said.
"Saving these jobs and saving this manufacturing capacity should be the number one priority for the Industry Minister (Ian Macfarlane) right now," Mr Ayres said.
"For the sake of the 500 workers and their families whose livelihoods depend on Electrolux, I hope Mr Macfarlane steps up to the plate."
Mr Macfarlane said he was disappointed by Electrolux's decision to close its factory in Orange and appreciates it is a difficult time for affected workers.
The coalition government believes there is a future for manufacturing in Australia, he said in a statement.
"The government will continue to consult with industry representatives in a methodical way to work on a sustainable, long-term future for the sector in Australia."
Mr Macfarlane said the government was addressing energy costs with its legislation to repeal the carbon tax.
Mr Ayers said the announcement capped off a bad week for manufacturing in the region.
It follows announcements that Downer EDI's rail manufacturing plant will be closed and more than 100 food manufacturing jobs will be cut from Simplot at Bathurst.
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