When auto plants in the US started closing left and right, many people assumed that future generations would never be able to land similar jobs. In a way they were right, but BMW has shown that there is still a place for highly skilled and experienced workers – at least at their factories. Located in Bavaria, the newly opened BMW plant has employed scores of seasoned workers, and not one of them is under the age of 50. Unlike Japanese auto makers, BMW has a long history in which it has risen to the rank of being a luxury brand, and if not for its workers this company would not be where it is today. This is why BMW is making a bold statement in an industry that has been focusing so much on automation that the needs and desires of older workers are often overlooked.
If that’s not enough BMW is making sure that its middle aged workers are able to work in relative comfort. In addition to ergonomic seating, BMW is taking measures to ensure that their new factory workers are not overworked. It seems like a bit of an oxymoron, but surely the staff of one of the most highly esteemed companies has earned its dues by the time they are only years away from retirement. It is unlikely that other auto makers will be opening any similar factories in the future, but the move by BMW does show that employers are looking for more than youth and vigor.
