Year 10 and Lower Sixth DT and Product Design students had the exciting opportunity to visit the BMW MINI factory.
The trip gave us a valuable insight into the manufacturing techniques used within the production of the car, from concept to final production. There was a particular focus on Lean and Just-in-Time manufacturing, one of the foci of our A level syllabus.
During the visit we toured the assembly shop where we saw the 1200 robots welding, loading and constructing the steel car bodies at incredible speeds. There were just over 800 cars manufactured on the day, all made to order. One of the most impressive things was how they stuck to their goal at each stage of now process in the section lasting longer than 60 seconds.
It was fascinating to witness how automated technology is used on such a large-scale of production and where the human interaction takes place. We also toured the body shop where we saw the painted cars being fitted with the more customisable details including sunroofs, seat covers and alloy types.
This walk-through, from the first weld to the finished car being driven out of the factory, was especially beneficial as an A-level Design and Technology student as it allowed me to visualise the theory we learn in lessons and see it within a real industrial setting.
Overall, the trip was both interesting and inspiring, and helped broaden my perspectives on potential careers within the motor industry in the future. It also provided me with greater understanding of the roles and stages involved in the manufacturing process.
Photography by Eloise (L6)
