BUSINESS Minister Michael Fallon met apprentices and took a tour of the Cowley Mini plant.

Apprentice Natalie Murray showed the minister around the car factory’s newly opened training facilities and introduced him to apprentices demonstrating their skills.

Mr Fallon said: “It is very encouraging to see BMW Group’s continued investment in production and training facilities at the Oxford plant.

“It is a clear sign that UK manufacturing here, supported by the Government through the Regional Growth Fund, is flourishing. It is also very heartening to see the passion and enthusiasm of the next generation of engineers and apprentices.”

BMW has made a £750m investment in the UK in the past three years.

Plant managing director Frank Bachmann said: “This facility and our teams here can look forward to a bright future as we prepare the ground for exciting new models set for launch over the coming years.”