MINI halts production at Cowley plant due to semiconductor shortage

The MINI plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire has temporarily closed due to a semiconductor chip shortage. The BMW Team advises that a 7 days-long closure has been planned to lift on 25 February, and this is a “short-time period adjustment to the manufacturing program.” 

A assertion from the brand read: “Plant Swindon and Plant Hams Hall have also been affected having said that not accurately in the exact same way – a little variety of shifts have been impacted in specific areas and this has been communicated locally to our associates.

“The BMW Group expects the provide condition for semiconductor factors to stay tough and can not rule out the chance of this impacting revenue in the course of the relaxation of the year.

“There may also be some impression on the availability of precise products, owing to the semiconductor offer bottlenecks. With each other with our retail associates, we purpose to provide our clients practical, alternative products variants to continue on to guarantee a high degree of individualisation in our vehicles.”

In April 2021 the similar shortages affected the plant and creation was halted for 3 days. The Cowley plant at present employs 3800 employees who will be influenced by this week’s closure but there will be no affect to their pay out. The web site produces the MINI Hatch, equally petrol powered and electrical versions, and the Clubman estate. 

The semiconductor chip scarcity is a world-wide supply chain concern that has been affecting suppliers around the entire world. In vehicles the semiconductor is a essential ingredient in most present day vehicle gear, such as touchscreen infotainment programs, reversing cameras and air luggage. 

The shortage has been developed by source chain disruptions because of to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic started, makers globally have had to temporarily near manufacturing amenities thanks to lockdown limitations and a lack of components, which has made a large backlog for new cars and trucks.

Test out our in-depth evaluation of the MINI hatch in this article…