THE new Mini was heralded as a major boost for the Cowley car plant when the first example rolled off the BMW production line in 2001.

Since then, more than 2.5 million of the iconic cars have been produced in Oxford by a workforce described as "world beaters" – the three million milestone is expected to be hit later this year.

Managing director Frank Bachmann said Cowley had been the "heart" of Mini production on the world stage since 2001.

He added: "Making 1,000 high-quality cars to individual order each day is a huge challenge but we succeed in doing so because of the passion and expertise of our workforce. 

"Today, we celebrate what’s been achieved so far and look forward to an even brighter future here in Oxford.

"Mini is an iconic British brand that has made a remarkable journey over the past 15 years and in that time we’ve more than doubled our capacity and gone from producing just one model to an entire range of Minis."

In March 1913, William Morris's first Morris Oxford – known as the "Bullnose" because of the distinctive shape of its radiator, – rolled off or, more accurately, was pushed off the assembly line at Cowley.

From that day the city would no longer just be known for its historic university. It would now earn a reputation as one of Britain's major industrial centres, employing at one time nearly 28,000 workers.

Over the decades the plant was known by various different names, such as Pressed Steel and Rover Cowley, before BMW took over in 1994 and launched the Mini seven years later.

Today, more than 4,500 people are employed at the site, with 1,000 examples of four different Mini models rolling off its assembly line each day.

Technicians Chris Wherritt and Tim McGrath are two of 22 current plant workers who began their careers as apprentices in 2001.

Mr Wherritt, from Witney, said: "Starting my apprenticeship straight from school was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. 

"I knew it would be a big change, but I wasn’t aware at the time just how successful the new Mini was going to be. 

"When the 2001 Mini rolled off the production line, and the launch was all over the news, that’s when I knew both the Mini and I had a bright future."

Mr McGrath followed in the footsteps of his father who was also an apprentice.

The Milton resident said he could remember everyone being "really eager" to see the success of the new Mini as the factory changed from Rover to BMW.

He added: "All the apprentices were excited to be involved in the launch of a new car and we had a team photo taken in the first week. 

"Over my 15 years in the factory I have worked with many different people within all different roles and responsibilities.

"The factory has changed a lot in that time with investment from BMW and the production of different versions of Mini – each one an improvement on the last."

Between 2012 and 2015 BMW Group, which marked its 100th birthday this year, invested millions at the plant to build a paint shop, a high-technology body building facility, a final assembly area, and the "Minicademy", where apprentices are trained.

Oxford Mail:

Oxford Mail motoring editor David Duffy has driven the first Mini ever in 1959 and was with Lulu when she drove the last classic Mini – a red Cooper Sport – off the production line in Longbridge in October 2000.

He was also one of the first journalists to drive BMW’s new Oxford-built Mini before its showroom launch in July 2001.

David, who has written on motoring for the Mail since 1988, said: “The original Mini was a brilliantly designed, ground-breaking vehicle that was priced to give many people their first taste of motoring.

"Indeed it was our first family car and somehow coped with taking four of us on summer holidays to Ireland.

“It was universally popular and driven by everyone from postmen to pop stars. With more than five million sold, it was questioned if BMW’s 21st-century version could ever prove such a worldwide success.

“My first drive in BMW’s Mini into the centre of Oxford was an eye-opener. No sooner had we parked up for some pictures, than it was surrounded by tourists taking snaps. Few cars I have ever driven sparked such instant interest.

“Since then the Mini’s blend of style, quality workmanship and luxury has proved an international triumph.

“But like its predecessor, it is the little car’s go-kart ride and handling and sheer sense of fun that makes it a winner.

“The continuing sales success of the Mini is good for Oxford, good for Oxfordshire and good for the country. Long may it continue.”