The worst fears of dedicated plant Oxford employees were realised this morning when BMW (parent owner of MINI UK) confirmed all MINI production will move to their South Carolina Spartanburg facility.
Spartanburg has long been the home of BMW's SUV off-roader X5 and Z4 roadster. Now the MINI brand will be manufactured in a 36 acre expansion currently underway at the USA plant.
With over 70% or world sales shipped to the USA, this move makes financial sense, even if it will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of what has always been seen as an iconic British brand.
The move is expected to be one of the most complex logistical exercises ever undertaken by BMW and the first MINI is expected to roll of the Spartanburg production line in one year. Read more....
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