Nanjing wants to convert...

Nanjing wants to convert an existing office building, the Longbridge plant"s South Engineering Block, into temporary accommodation for 400 people - workers brought over from China. A spokesman for the council"s planning office confirmed: "An application has been made, but no date has been set for it to go before the committee."

As soon as the surprise offer from Nanjing - China"s second-largest car maker - to buy MG Rover was accepted in July, speculation mounted that the production lines would move to the Far East. This latest action gives credibility to the theory that Longbridge has never figured in Nanjing"s long-term plans. Local councillor Reg Corns, who represents many ex-Longbridge workers, said: "Nanjing has been let loose in the factory before anyone knows if any money has changed hands. It will be dismantling the production lines to take them to China. You have to assume this will be a "lift and shift" operation."

However, the Far Eastern outfit"s spokesman told us the planning application wasn"t the first step in relocating the entire operation. He explained: "The strategic plan to create a viable UK business is still underway between Nanjing and the GB Sports Car Company."

He added that some of MG Rover"s assets will stay to create the UK set-up, although some will go to China. "This strategic planning does not take place overnight, and the planning application is simply to house those workers that will be needed," he continued.