MORE than 150 jobs have been lost in Bradford just before Christmas - after a company shut its factory in the city.

Vehicle Conversion Specialists Limited (VCS) - which operated on Staithgate Lane - collapsed into administration last month.

The business, which manufactured ambulances, was part of the WN Vtech group, formerly known as Woodall Nicholson.

Administrators from Teneo last week said "the majority of the group's operations" had been acquired by Guido Dumarey, owner of the Dumarey Group, a prominent player in the European automotive sector. 

However, a spokesperson for Teneo told the Telegraph & Argus today that VCS's Bradford factory was not included in the acquisition and it had been closed with 152 jobs made redundant.

After VCS went into administration, Teneo said: "Like many companies in the automotive sector, the group has experienced challenges around supply chain issues which has impacted fulfilment of orders and working capital."

It has been confirmed, however, that Brighouse-based Treka Bus Limited - which was also part of the WN Vtech group - was among the firms bought by Mr Dumarey.

A spokesperson for Mr Dumarey has not commented regarding VCS in Bradford.

VCS announced just earlier this year that it was creating 150 jobs in the city. 

At the time, Frank Barrett, CEO at WN Vtech, said: "Our recent growth and expansion are a testament to the dedication and continuous innovation of our teams across the group.

"We are thrilled to welcome our new hires, and to move VCS into its new facility. The new site will ensure we continue to deliver world-class emergency vehicles to our customers in the UK and beyond, and I’m personally incredibly proud of the opportunities for skills training it will provide."

When VCS went into administration, Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, told the T&A: "This is the latest blow in what has been a very tough year for manufacturing in Bradford, and highlights the immense challenges that businesses are facing up and down the country.

"The Government's plan to grow the economy is clearly failing and it is working people who are paying the price."

In response, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "While this is a commercial decision for the company, we understand that this will be a concerning time for workers.

"Last week, we announced £4.5billion in funding for British advanced manufacturing, including £2billion of funding for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing to 2030, which will help to create jobs and grow our economy."