BMW To Shut Down Mini Factory In Oxford

(RTTNews) - BMW plans to shut down the Mini factory in Oxford for a month after Brexit to minimize supply disruption in case there is no deal.

The German auto giant said its annual maintenance shutdown at the site in Cowley, Oxford will be brought forward to April 1 to reduce any "possible short-term parts-supply disruption". The plant builds out 1,000 Minis a day and employs 4,500 people.

"Planned annual maintenance periods at BMW Group production sites allow essential updating and equipment replacement to be completed over several weeks, while there is no production taking place," BMW said.

"As a responsible organization, we have scheduled next year's annual maintenance period at Mini Plant Oxford to start on 1 April, when the UK exits the EU, to minimize the risk of any possible short-term parts supply disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit."

"While we believe this worst-case scenario is an unlikely outcome, we have to plan for it."

Nevertheless, the plant will remain open in April with maintenance, management and catering staff continuing to work despite no cars being made.