THE jobs of 500 workers threatened with redundancy at a Paddock Wood factory have been saved. A deal has now been signed saving Ketlon workers from unemployment after two mystery buyers stepped in to take over the business.

The plant, based on the Transfesa Estate, makes car parts for automotive giants Ford, BMW and Rover. Unipart, its owners since 1994, employs 9,000 in the UK but said in January that the Paddock Wood outlet was no longer "cost-effective" and it was put up for sale.

At the time, managing director Paul Cahill said jobs in the town would be saved if a deal was clinched. Mr Cahill said: "It would be fair to say we have had two months where people have been feeling low but now the future is looking brighter." Mr Cahill's job is also safe.

Cllr Stan Ward (Con), Paddock Wood ward member on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council welcomed the news as "superb".