MYSTERY surrounds the apparent closure of a car parts factory with the loss of more than 200 jobs.

In what is a bitter blow to Thanet, Spanish company Grupo Antolin appears close to shutting its operation in Broadstairs for good.

It is understood that there have been fewer than 10 people working at the site on EuroKent Business Park. Calls to the factory last night went unanswered.

The factory makes roof linings for car interiors for big name clients like Nissan, Renault, Peugeot and Land Rover. It is understood the company was expected to create 230 jobs following a £17million investment.

Grupo Antolin's place in Thanet was hailed a success and a highpoint came in 2003 when Prince Andrew visited the firm as a representative for international investment and trade. He met bosses and toured the factory floor.

Thanet was chosen as a UK base because it was close to markets in France and Belgium, a source of most of its raw materials, and grants for job creation.

Some Thanet staff visited Spain for training and initially Spanish employees were stationed in Thanet.

In 2006, Grupo Antolin announced the loss of 125 jobs, a bitter blow as Hornby's manufacturing was moved to China.

Thanet councillor Iris Johnston said she was "appalled" that the district council did not step in to find out what it could to intervene in the demise of the business.

She said: "It was a major achievement of the council at the time to persuade this company to come to Thanet.

"I am extremely disappointed its fortunes have been allowed to drift into oblivion without this current council stepping in and finding out what was going wrong.

"I have questioned the council about the situation for nearly 18 months but have only been told that it would not intervene. They appear to have no information about what has happened.

"The demise of Grupo Antolin does not send out a very good message at a time when the council is encouraging people to consider Thanet as a business location."

Grupo Antolin was formed in the 1950s in Burgos in northern Spain. The multinational operates in 23 countries with 80 plants and 20 offices.