ROVER has launched a £10m centre at Cowley which will create more than 100 jobs and dramatically speed up delivery of parts to assembly lines.

The advanced logistics centre is part of £400m investment being pumped into the Cowley car plant ready for production of its latest luxury model, codenamed the R40, to be unveiled at the International Motor Show in Birmingham in October.

Transport Minister Gavin Strang opened the new 22,000 square metre centre yesterday which has been jointly developed by Rover and Exel Logistics.

The centre houses a "supplier village" allowing several of Rover's components suppliers to provide just-in-time parts through a tunnel, built under rail lines, direct to the assembly lines.

A railhead next to the centre was built with the help of a £315,000 grant from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions so that cars for export can be loaded directly on to trains.

Doug Dickson, managing director of Rover Oxford, said the trains would take more than 1,500 vehicle movements off the roads each year.

He said: "We are determined to achieve the most rigorous standards in all aspects of our new car programme - and that includes the way we work with Exel Logistics to literally deliver world-class standards of logistics.

"It is possible to create a virtuous circle of improved manufacturing and environmental benefits if you look hard enough for innovative solutions."

Leigh Pomlett, managing director of Exel Logistics Automotive, said: "This partnership benefits both Rover Group and the local community. We expect to recruit over 100 new people as a direct result of this new facility."

An Exel jobs hot-line has been set up - call 0345 626 801.

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