MINI factory tour

[FNIVME2]

What a great day.

Phone rang at 8:00 in my hotel room and my coworker here in Oxford told me I was scheduled for a 9:30 tour at the MINI factory.

Can't say how much fun it was to see how our cars were built. Most of the assembly is robotic. Unfortunately but understandably no photos are allowed on or in their premisis. I just have a photo of me standing by the sign on the roadway.

I was the only MINI owner in the tour group. The rest were part of the BMW quality group in the UK. Needless to say there were some discussions regarding some build quality and dealer issues.

MINI just started doing factory tours 2 months ago so they have some polishing to do but it didn't matter for I was enthralled seeing all the MINI's going down the production line.

Talk about the ultimate club event. We
work with MINI for a package for our club to come over to the UK for a factory tour. I'd do it again.

[dinlo]

Oh my god I want to go too. If I get a week off, I would love to go too.

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by FNIVME2
MINI just started doing factory tours 2 months ago so they have some polishing to do but it didn't matter for I was enthralled seeing all the MINI's going down the production line

And the first outside group was MINI2!

Check in the news section (probably have to search) for photo's of the production facility (inside and out) from when I went just after launch in 2001.

Paul

[Lorri]

Quote:

Originally posted by FNIVME2
What a great day.
Can't say how much fun it was to see how our cars were built. Most of the assembly is robotic. Unfortunately but understandably no photos are allowed on or in their premisis. I just have a photo of me standing by the sign on the roadway.

MINI just started doing factory tours 2 months ago so they have some polishing to do but it didn't matter for I was enthralled seeing all the MINI's going down the production line.

I'd do it again.

I agree... we went last Friday (20th June) and I would love to go again So much to take in

[fishie <///><]

FNIVME2, i'm SO jealous! i'm planning to visit europe next year. i'll be sure to include this in my agenda

[schlick]

I'm so down for doing this tour, going to have to work out how I can get over there

[britsf]

FNIVME2,
Sounds wonderful, I am in England in November, please give details in how you organised the tour or phone numbers.
Thanks!
I look forward to the tour
Keith

[MotorOn]

It's funny, after reading the two new MINI books I just bought, one by Paternie, and one by Robson, and seeing all the assembly line pictures, I knew I HAD to do a factory tour some time in the future.

My wife and I have got the air miles to go but we just have to find the right time.

It would be a fantastic trip, touring with the NorCalMINIs!

Keep us posted for any trip like this!

[minifishfish]

So where exactly is this tour in UK??? I would love to go seeeeeee!!!

[Hat]

the guide on our visit said they'd had some americans in the previous week - was that you?

[Paul]

Search the UK social forums, there are contact details for the UK factory to arrange/enquire about tours.

[FNIVME2]

No matter how fun the tour was it's great to be home.

My co-worker was on holiday just before I left so when he sends me the contact information I will post it. Unless someone finds it through the suggestion by Paul.

Who want's to take the lead in trying to organize a trip to the UK for our NorCalMINI's to do a factory tour?

Paul and LorraineH,
Nice part of the country ya'll are in. I had some work in Leeds and passed through both your areas. Wouldn't have known where Milton Keynes is if my co-worker hadn't jumped off the M1 to get to the M4 to get me to Heathrow.

[Paul]

Plant Tours
Communications Department
BMW Group Plant Oxford
Cowley
Oxford
OX4 6NL

Oxford.Plant-tours@bmwgroup.com