Latest news: BMW safeguards UK manufacturing jobs

Thousands of manufacturing jobs are set to be made more secure, after BMW announced plans to invest some £250million in its UK factories over the next three years. 09/07/2012

According to the car manufacturer, the funding will go towards increasing production in its Birmingham, Swindon and Oxford plants, where the MINI range of cars are made and more than 5,000 people work.

The company expects to expand the range by a number of new models as part of its growth strategy, which plans to achieve a record sales volume in 2012 and sell over two million vehicles by 2016.

Harald Kruger, board member at BMW, stated, ‘This additional investment is great news for all our employees in the UK and shows the BMW Group’s commitment to Britain as a vital manufacturing base for us.’

Vince Cable, business secretary, added, ‘BMW’s ambitious plans for MINI will ensure its UK sites at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall remain at the centre of MINI production worldwide.

‘The investment of £250million in addition to the £500million last year demonstrates BMW’s commitment to the UK and safeguards jobs for the future.’

The news comes after it was revealed German automotive supplier Brose is set to double the size of its Bedworth car parts factory, creating an extra 200 jobs in the process.