Pilkington Automotive announced today it is planning to close its Queenborough factory on the Isle of Sheppey with the loss of 14 full-time jobs.

The factory was originally set up to make simple laminated windscreens and still provides most of the glass for classic cars.

But Pilkington owners the NSG Group now wants to switch production to Finland.

Spokesman Jaana Maijanen said: “As a consequence of growing customer requirements for more complex car glass designs Pilkington Automotive Limited has informed its employees about a proposed closure of its Queenborough site in Kent.

“It is anticipated that 14 permanent jobs will be affected.”

The company added that the Queenborough site was “somewhat restricted in its technological capability” to offer more complex glazing solutions.

The company will continue to provide a full range of its Classics range and will transfer production to other plants, mainly in Finland, to meet demand for more specialised products.

The closure will not affect Olympic Glass which shares the site but is a different company.