BMW has decided to invest a large sum of money on retaining a classic line-up – but rather than cars, it's older workers which are getting the special treatment as the German manufacturer staffs an entire production line with over 50 employees.

A section of the plant at Dingolfing in Bavaria, southern Germany, has been nicknamed 'Altstadt' (German for Old Town) and has been specially adapted to meet the needs of older workers.

The section of the new £18m plant has been designed to include ergonomic back supports for monkey-wrench turners, enhance lighting to ease the strain on older eyes, and mobile tool trolleys that mean workers don't have to strain themselves reaching for equipment.

The workers will all be based on the line that deals with the chassis and drive components, and also features stools in the places where they might have once stood for hours and a 'relaxation room' in place of the toilet where employees would once nip off for a crafty cigarette.

"I don't need to reach as far for things as I did before, and I manage to take care of things while holding myself upright - it really is a relief," said Ludwig Lang, who has spent 40 of his 57 years working for BMW.

To further take account of the workers advanced years, the production line has been slowed down to a third of its normal speed.

BMW has said it intends to expand the programme to 4,000 workers across German speaking countries by the end of this year, and the company's ratio of workers aged 50 and above is set to rise from 25 percent today to 45 percent by 2020.

"It's important given the skills shortage," said BMW board member Frank-Peter Arndt. "But we are also deeply convinced we should not lose all that experience gained by the colleagues over many years."

What do you reckon? Making best use of valued and experienced employees? Or is the whole approach a little patronising? Let us know below.