CAR firm Nissan has helped to attract another automotive supplier to Wearside.

Spanish company Grupo Antolin is believed to have invested a seven-figure sum in setting up an assembly plant on the Sunderland Enterprise Park, initially creating 12 jobs. If all goes to plan, the plant will employ more than 30 people early next year.

Last year, the company won an order to supply roof trim for the new Nissan Primera, which goes into production at Sunderland on Monday.

Grupo Antolin's successful move to the area owes much to the partnership approach of local business development organisations, led and coordinated by Tyne and Wear Development Company (TWDC).

Mike Reynolds, senior accounts and operations manager at the firm, contacted TWDC information manager Michelle Richardson to try to identify suitable premises.

Nick Kemp, inward investment officer, worked closely with Mr Reynolds to identify the most suitable option.

This included visiting a number of sites before the firm chose a unit at the enterprise park.