A FORMER Rover factory is set to win a bumper BMW contract to supply power units for the next-generation MINI.

Hams Hall, the Midlands engine plant created before Rover was ousted from the German group, looks favourite to be chosen as the source for petrol-driven versions of the new range, expected in 2006.

Company board of management members are to meet in Munich later this month to decide which of their four engine production centres will get the 200,000-unit annual contract and the ex-Rover facility near Birmingham is in pole position, claims plant director Harald Kruger.