When does the mini plant close for their August vacation? I thought they closed for two weeks in August. Anyone know?

 

I doubt it, Those industries in europe work 365/24/7. no way in this competive society.

 

This was first mentioned several weeks ago, posts have stated first two weeks, last two weeks. As of yet I have not seen any confirmed time, and from watching the production weeks, does not appear so at this point.

 

I'll ask over on Mini2 and see if they know. They seem to have a better handle on that side of the pond for the factory schedules.

 

I forget the guys nick, but he actually works at the plant, made an offer if people sent him the vin, he would watch for their car on the line. He is on that forum.

 

I got one response, from a chap who has been on the Mini2 board since 2004 and who said his dad works at the Oxford plant. He said he didn't know of any closure.

"Certain individuals im sure, but the factory shutting down for 2 wks....Nope. My dad works there im sure he'd be bragging about it if it was. "

 

I don't think it's as much a vacation as it is a reconfiguration. I called ASK-MINI about this a few times to try to find out how much time I still had to order a 2007.

Basically they have to shut down the production line at some point and reconfigure the factory for the 2008 models. The reconfiguration takes about two weeks.

As of last week, the guy I spoke with at ASK-MINI said that MINI HQ had not yet released information as to when the 2007 line would be shut down. He said they usually don't give much notice ahead of time, but estimated the 2007s would still be in production at least until the end of this month (August).

 

Here's the best answer (from an MA) that that I have seen so far about the cut over to the 08's.

 

I ordered my MCS on August 11th & thought I was going to make Week 34. Called ASK-MINI today to see if there was any new status since the OL hasn't updated and was told that I was in Week 36 because of the PLANT SHUTDOWN. I've read all the posts negating the notion of a shutdown though the guy on the hotline said they always close the plant in August to re-tool the line for the '08s. I admit, I've already called the hotline twice now and got two different status reports so not sure how much stock to put in this latest one.

 

According to MotoringFile, they began production of the Clubman on Aug. 2. Although it won't be available for purchase until November in the UK, they are getting cars assembled for press and dealer launch programs. So that could also be having an effect on R56 production.

 

they are not shutdown, just like previous threads they are retooling /training for the 08 model. in the meantime the 07 line goes on as normal, with the exception that some take their earned vacation,

 

But if they were already at full production with the R56 and the cabrio, it would seem logical to assume that R56 production will decrease to some extent if the retooling is taking place to bring the Clubman production in place.

 

Yes, but the Clubman is initially going to be a very small part of the mini line. BTY have you looked at the GOOGLE EARTH view of the Oxford Plant, It is BIG,lots of space and buildings. they know what they are doing.

 

Here's another reply from a Mini2 poster who works at the plant:

"This year there is no "shut Down" as we have new systems in place that are close to running full speed and the amount of minis were turning out at present is pretty awesome. the factory only shuts down for maintenance issues or upgrades, but this year as everything has been done there is no need for one."