BMW boosts Mini factory jobs

Around 200 jobs are to be created as part of an investment of more than £100 million in the car factory which makes Minis, it was announced today.

Around 200 jobs are to be created as part of an investment of more than £100 million in the car factory which makes Minis, it was announced today.

The BMW group, which owns Plant Oxford, where the enduring motoring favourite is made, said the cash would be invested between now and 2007.

The investment will fund a new body shell production building and modernisation of the paintshop at the plant.

Making the announcement at a press conference at the factory in Cowley today, plant managing director Dr Anton Heiss said: "It's not just the high quality of vehicles produced here, but also the customer focus and production flexibility that have played such a major role in the car's success.

"The contribution of our employees through their flexibility and commitment to Mini has also provided the foundation for this latest investment.

"Today's ceremony marks a further milestone in the future of Mini in Oxford."

Following today's announcement, Dr Norbert Reithofer, of BMW AG, was due to lay a foundation stone at the new body shop.

A total of 4,500 people currently work at Plant Oxford and last year 189,492 cars were made at the plant, the only factory in the world which manufactures Minis.