Sixth Form PDT Trip to Plant Oxford BMW Group iFACTORY

Straight back after half term the Upper Sixth Form PDT pupils took a cracking opportunity to visit a State-of-the-Art manufacturing facility in Oxford - the home of the iconic Mini. 

During the visit many aspects of the A level product design specification that are dry to deliver in class , could be seen firsthand such as the monumental production and logistics required to run a ‘just in time’ manufacturing system; the awe inspiring robots that handle and fabricate so many of the body in white components and the continuous testing required in order to ensure the highest possible quality levels required for this prestigious and world famous marque during a tour round the assembly hall where up to 800 vehicles per day roll off the production line.  It was great to see the precision and cleanliness of such a modern production line, with activity and work being done at every turn. Further to this was the huge solar farm and rainwater collection that was then used on site to reduce the energy consumption of the plant by up to 30%; Inspiring indeed. 

Thanks go to Mr Goble for driving us over, the staff at MINI Plant Cowley especially the BMW associates Graham and Nigel for such an informative tour.   

DD Evans, Head of PDT