Mini’s Popularity Leads to 1-Millionth Engine at Warwickshire Plant

The U.K plant responsible for building engines for BMW AG’s Mini brand produces its 1-millionth mill.

Continued growth of the Mini brand recently prompted BMW to add 250 workers to the Warwickshire plant in the British Midlands and brings the facility’s total employment to more than 1,000 people. The plant, which lies about a 60-minutes north of London, started production seven years ago.

Worldwide Mini sales grew 50% in 2007. Rolls-Royce, another BMW brand with a presence in the same region, saw global sales rise 25.5% last year.

“I think this speaks volumes to the popularity of British design,” says Vern Sebby, president and CEO of the British Midlands Development Corp. Funded by the U.K. government, Sebby’s group provides assistance to manufacturers seeking to establish themselves in the region.

Auto makers such as Toyota Motor Corp., Jaguar cars and Land Rover brands, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. also operate in the British Midlands.