BMW Group has announced plans to invest over £600 million in the expansion and transformation of its Mini factories in Oxford and Swindon, with £75 million coming directly from the UK Government. This investment will pave the way for the production of the next generation of all-electric Mini vehicles and solidify the UK’s position in the global automotive industry. The move aligns with BMW Group’s goal of fully electric vehicle production by 2030.
The Oxford plant will undergo a transformation to produce two new all-electric Mini models, the 3-door Mini Cooper and the compact crossover Mini Aceman, starting in 2026. This investment showcases BMW Group’s long-term commitment to the UK automotive industry, with over £3 billion already invested across its production facilities in Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford since 2000.
Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for production, expressed the company’s vision of developing the Oxford plant for the production of the new generation of electric Minis and paving the way for purely electric car manufacturing in the future.
The UK Government has shown support for this project, recognizing its importance in safeguarding jobs at the Oxford manufacturing plant and Swindon’s body-pressing facility. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised BMW Group’s investment, highlighting the UK’s strength in building cutting-edge cars and securing thousands of jobs.
The investment will have a significant impact on the main production areas in Oxford, with existing production lines undergoing development, including the expansion of the body shop and the creation of a new area for battery installation. Logistics facilities will also be constructed at both the Oxford and Swindon sites to streamline the manufacturing process.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of BMW Group’s production network, and the Oxford plant reflects this commitment. The plant features a roof-mounted solar farm with over 11,500 photovoltaic panels, generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of 850 households and reducing the plant’s carbon footprint by approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The Oxford plant, which celebrated its 110th anniversary this year, employs over 3,400 skilled employees and apprentices and produces up to 1,000 Minis daily. It is on track to produce over 13 million cars by the end of the year, making it the third-largest vehicle producer in the UK.
The Swindon plant, originally established in 1955 as an overflow facility for the Oxford site, currently houses around 600 associates working on three Blanking and 12 Press lines.
This investment aligns with BMW Group’s broader strategy of transitioning to electromobility and harnessing cutting-edge technology for sustainable mobility. It marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards a greener and electrified future in the automotive industry.
Oxford to Receive £600m Investment from BMW for Mini Production Centre
Oxfordshire is set to witness a significant boost with BMW’s recent announcement of a £600 million investment for a new Mini production center. The renowned car manufacturer aims to solidify its commitment to the iconic British brand while simultaneously securing a prosperous future for the local community and the wider automotive industry.
The impending investment will serve as a testimonial to BMW’s unwavering faith in the Oxford factory, which has been a steadfast pillar of the company’s Mini production operations for 20 years. The new state-of-the-art facility will enable the company to modernize its manufacturing capabilities and enhance efficiency levels, further solidifying the Mini brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Beyond the immediate implications for the Mini brand and BMW, this investment also marks a significant milestone for the local economy. The operation is expected to generate approximately 4,000 direct jobs in Oxfordshire, bolstering the region’s employment opportunities. Moreover, the carmaker’s commitment to sustainability will be reflected in the creation of numerous apprenticeships and training programs, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the necessary skills for future success.
The establishment of the new Mini production center will also result in a range of additional positive outcomes. Local businesses will have the opportunity to engage in lucrative supply chain partnerships, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and prosperity. Furthermore, this investment is expected to attract additional investments and stimulate further innovation and research and development in the automotive sector within the region.
Given BMW’s global reputation for producing cutting-edge vehicles, this investment represents a significant endorsement of the Oxford factory, cementing its position as a leading manufacturer within the Mini portfolio. The facility will reportedly have the capacity to produce up to 400,000 vehicles annually, providing a strong foundation for sustained growth and export potential.
The decision to invest £600 million in the Oxford Mini production center comes at a crucial time for the automotive industry, with increasing demands for electrification and sustainable mobility. BMW’s commitment to transforming its manufacturing practices and aligning them with these industry trends speaks volumes about the company’s forward-thinking strategies and dedication to sustainability.
This investment also demonstrates BMW’s continued confidence in the United Kingdom as a hub for automotive production, despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit. By choosing to expand its operations in Oxford, the company renews its long-standing commitment to British engineering and manufacturing expertise while investing in the future of the local community.
In conclusion, the £600 million investment by BMW in the Mini production center in Oxford heralds a new era of growth and prosperity for the region. This landmark decision promises to rejuvenate the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and foster innovation within the automotive sector. It serves as a testament to BMW’s confidence in the Oxford factory and underscores their commitment to sustainability, positioning the Mini brand for a successful and sustainable future. Overall, this investment stands as a shining example of how collaboration between business and community can drive progress and create a brighter future for all stakeholders involved.