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Duotone · 30th May 2008, 20:48

Just got home from a visit to the BMW Mini factory..[ A birthday treat from my daughter who lives a few hundred yards from the plant]

This place is pretty impressive, the most telling point is that 600 completed Mini's leave the Cowley plant every day, seven days a week.

Having visited the MG Rover plant at Longbridge three times I found it very sad that I was constantly reminded about 75's coming off the production line, but at nothing like the rate of 600 a day.

A bit of additional info. We passed a punch clock time card rack, most of the names were Polish and from eastern europe.

Dave T

Kandyman · 30th May 2008, 20:54

Sounds like a fun day out Dave,

you allowed to take any pictures in there ?

Duotone · 30th May 2008, 21:13

If only, Andy..

All phones,cameras,and any type of bag had to put into lockers before the tour started.

I would never think of buying a Mini but SWMBO was very impressed.
Its unbelievable there are 17 colours, 16 types of alloy wheel, different colour roof panels, and endless different interior options, making the chance of two Mini's been alike, almost imposible.

Dave T

brum29 · 30th May 2008, 21:44

Hi Dave, What a site it is to see all those motors, or bodies as they are called, travelling along, usually in single file. Many years ago I worked at Longbridge in the body shop, as I live only 3 miles away from the old plant. This was was were we used assemble all the different body parts into a complete body shell and as a sheetmetal worker at the time I used to planish out any dents caused by assembling and welding it was called dinging. When everything was working good it was an awesome site seeing everything in full flow. Only lasted just over twelve months as the working pattern was two weeks days and two weeks nights was a killer and could take no more. But really glad you enjoyed your visit.

Cheers KB

Duotone · 31st May 2008, 06:18

Yes KB.
The Mini production line was sure in full flow..A large part of body assembly plant was taken up by robots, working constanty and accurately like something from a science fiction film.
Amazing that a lot of panels are now glued as well as welded together..

Dave T

30th May 2008, 20:48	#1
Duotone This is my second home 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 8,432 Thanks: 176 Thanked 907 Times in 716 Posts	Vist Just got home from a visit to the BMW Mini factory..[ A birthday treat from my daughter who lives a few hundred yards from the plant] This place is pretty impressive, the most telling point is that 600 completed Mini's leave the Cowley plant every day, seven days a week. Having visited the MG Rover plant at Longbridge three times I found it very sad that I was constantly reminded about 75's coming off the production line, but at nothing like the rate of 600 a day. A bit of additional info. We passed a punch clock time card rack, most of the names were Polish and from eastern europe. Dave T

30th May 2008, 20:54	#2
Kandyman Banned ROVER 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Limousine 2004 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Welling Posts: 10,995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Sounds like a fun day out Dave, you allowed to take any pictures in there ?

30th May 2008, 21:13	#3
Duotone This is my second home 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 8,432 Thanks: 176 Thanked 907 Times in 716 Posts	If only, Andy.. All phones,cameras,and any type of bag had to put into lockers before the tour started. I would never think of buying a Mini but SWMBO was very impressed. Its unbelievable there are 17 colours, 16 types of alloy wheel, different colour roof panels, and endless different interior options, making the chance of two Mini's been alike, almost imposible. Dave T

30th May 2008, 21:44	#4
brum29 Passed Away Rover 75 Tourer 2L CDT Club SE 2002 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: B.V.T - Birmingham Posts: 832 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Dave, What a site it is to see all those motors, or bodies as they are called, travelling along, usually in single file. Many years ago I worked at Longbridge in the body shop, as I live only 3 miles away from the old plant. This was was were we used assemble all the different body parts into a complete body shell and as a sheetmetal worker at the time I used to planish out any dents caused by assembling and welding it was called dinging. When everything was working good it was an awesome site seeing everything in full flow. Only lasted just over twelve months as the working pattern was two weeks days and two weeks nights was a killer and could take no more. But really glad you enjoyed your visit. Cheers KB

31st May 2008, 06:18	#5
Duotone This is my second home 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 8,432 Thanks: 176 Thanked 907 Times in 716 Posts	Yes KB. The Mini production line was sure in full flow..A large part of body assembly plant was taken up by robots, working constanty and accurately like something from a science fiction film. Amazing that a lot of panels are now glued as well as welded together.. Dave T