Houston, Texas — Ford Motor Co. is the latest domino in line to fall as supply chain issues continue to plague the North American auto industry, as the oldest of the Detroit Three automakers prepares to scale back production for the month of April.
Semiconductors and seating foam shortages; less-than-stellar container ship piloting— take your pick, because all are causing significant headaches for manufacturers as Ford announced that it will be shutting down the Dearborn, Mich. Truck Plant for the weeks of April 5 and April 12.
As well, super shifts at the plant will also be cancelled for the weeks of April 26, May 10, May 31 and June 21 (Super shifts are overtime shifts scheduled during a time when the plant is normally down).
Among a number of other stoppages at Ford plants across the American midwest, the company also announced that the Oakville, Ont. Assembly Complex will also be closed for the weeks of April 12, April 19 and April 26.
Semiconductor chip manufacturers have struggled to meet demand growth since late last year as the automotive sector rebounded, especially in China, which has led to widespread production disruptions.
Last month, Honda and Toyota both also announced widespread plant shutdowns as much the industry attempts to regroup following one supply chain disruption after another.
