BMW Group Plant Swindon reaches a half century. 50 years of manufacturing in Swindon and a bright future ahead.

This month BMW Group Plant Swindon reaches its 50th anniversary of
manufacturing pressings at its site in Bridge End Road, Swindon. During the
past 50 years the site has established itself as a significant employer in
Swindon as well as a key supplier to the British motor industry manufacturing
for a variety of marques including Triumph, MG, Rover, Jaguar, Land Rover and
most recently MINI.

The plant's history dates back to 1954 when the Pressed Steel Company*
purchased the land in Stratton St Margaret to establish a car panel production
facility. The following year in December 1955, the plant produced its first
panel. The plant was owned by Pressed Steel Fisher until 1968 when it changed
hands to British Leyland. Eighteen years later in 1986, Rover Group / British
Aerospace took the helm until 1994 when the plant was bought by the BMW Group.

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.

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 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.

Bob Bolam commented, "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."

Editor's Notes:
*Later became Pressed Steel Fisher

For further information please contact:
Angela Stangroom - Group Communications Manager
Tel: 01344 480537
Email: angela.stangroom@bmw.co.uk

Natalie Wakefield - Group Communications Executive
Tel: 01344 480108
Email: natalie.wakefield@bmw.co.uk

www.press.bmwgroup.com