BMW’s Swindon plant will celebrate its 50th anniversary of manufacturing pressings this month at its site in Bridge End Road, Swindon.

The plant has produced cars for Triumph, MG, Rover, Jaguar, Land Rover and most recently Mini.

Bob Bolam, managing director of BMW Group Plant Swindon, said: “Winning the Mini contract was the recognition of nearly 50 years worth of skill, knowledge, dedication and commitment by associates at the plant. It was a significant moment in the plant’s history and its future.”

Since that decision in 2003 the BMW Group has invested over £40 million in Plant Swindon and designated the plant as the supplier of all Mini doors, bonnets, tailgates and roof assemblies.

“There is no doubt in my mind the Plant Swindon faces a very bright future as we continue to strengthen our links with Plant Oxford and Mini production. This year Plant Oxford has built a record 200,000 Minis. To date, 766,290 Minis have been produced worldwide. It is quite an achievement to reflect that every single one contains parts manufactured in Swindon,” said Bolam.

Since BMW Group’s ownership the plant has benefited from a significant programme of investment. The plant’s greatest success in recent years came in 2003 when it beat fierce competition from other production facilities within the BMW Group and external suppliers to become the main supplier of pressings and sub-assemblies for Mini.