Mini Oxford plant in ‘significant’ new seven-year deal

Unipart, the supply chain performance improvement partner, was awarded the contract by BMW Group to provide production logistics services within the final assembly at Cowley.

The Unipart team will manage the inbound logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and ‘just in sequence’ delivery of components in the plant.

This new contract will deepen a long-standing partnership between two of Oxfordshire’s largest employers.

Unipart will manage the complex flow of components to the assembly line, with real-time data management and lean principles, to drive maximum efficiency and support high-volume production.

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Darren Leigh, Unipart chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have secured this new contract with BMW Group.

“The extension of Unipart’s long term relationship with the Mini plant is testament to the expertise and dedication of our team in Cowley.

“Our proximity to the plant, combined with our understanding of BMW’s production requirements, allows us to provide a truly integrated logistics solution that will support the future of the iconic Mini brand.”

The first new generation model of Mini rolled off the production line in Cowley on April 26, 2001 under BMW ownership.

And 25 years later, BMW celebrated nearly 4.7 million cars being made in the city.

For the first 10 years of its life, the Morris Mini Minor was built in Cowley before moving to Longbridge.