A large fire broke out Monday evening in the paint shop of BMW-Brilliance’s plant in Tiexi, Shenyang, causing damage to newly installed equipment. The flame lasted nearly three hours before being distinguished by more than 100 fire crews. No injuries have so far been reported. 32 fire trucks were sent to the scene.
In a microblog message, BMW-Brilliance said the blaze hit a part of the factory still under construction, not the production line, and the cause of it was under investigation. Trying to play down the accident, the joint venture claimed that the fire was quickly brought under control and manufacturing/constructing activities would continue as normal. Some Chinese media, however, estimate that the damage could reach 100 million Euros.
The Tiexi plant started production only two months ago. It was the latest (25th), and reportedly the most advanced, BMW factory built around the world. Total investment amounts to 1.5 billion Euros. Annual production capacity of the plant is to reach 200,000 units in 2013. Currently, the BMW X1 and 3 series are built here.
