Engine landmark for BMW’s UK factory
BMW's UK engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham has built its three millionth engine.
The milestone power unit, a 1.6 four cylinder petrol engine, will be despatched to the Mini plant at Oxford and built into a car for the emerging Indian market.
"This is a fantastic milestone for Hams Hall," said plant director Nick Spencer. "Our 800 strong workforce is proud to be playing an important role within BMW Group's global production network, building engines in the UK for cars sold in many countries around the world and contributing to the success of the iconic Mini brand."
The milestone follows a year of record production in 2011 and confirmation that facilities are to be upgraded at the Hams Hall plant to enable the production of future generation engines at the site.
Business Minister Mark Prisk commented: "BMW's three millionth engine in a Mini that's now exported to 100 countries is emblematic of the current success of the UK auto sector. Last year UK automotive exports were up 15% at an all time high of £29.5billion in cash terms and engine production increased nearly 5% to 2.5million units."
