Ford was forced to suspend production of the 2024 F-150 in Michigan and Missouri last month, putting about 9,700 workers represented through the United Auto Workers out of work.
News of the shutdowns only recently emerged. Ford spokeswoman Jessica Enoch told the Detroit Free Press that production of the Dearborn Truck Plant was paused between January 25 and January 31 and that it temporarily laid off 5,200 workers between these dates. In addition, the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, was down from January 25 through to February 1 in a move that impacted 4,500 employees at the site.
Enoch confirmed that the production pause was done due to a supplier parts issue but did not specify the supplier nor the part.
“Production has resumed after being paused temporarily because of a supplier parts concern,” Enoch told the Detroit Free Press. “We are vigilant about ensuring that the vehicles our customers receive are built with the quality they expect and we are taking appropriate actions to deliver on that commitment.”
It’s only the combustion style that has been affected by the recall, as Ford also had to suspend production of the F-150 Lightning between Jan. 25 and Jan. 31, as the paint shop at the Dearborn truck plant is guilty of both the ICE and electric engines. F-150.
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This is not the first time in recent months that production of the F-150 Lightning has been altered. In January, Ford cut production due to “slower-than-expected sales” and a recent work schedule sent to factory workers shows production of it will move to a two-shift pattern with one crew on rolling layoffs through February and March. The site will move to a single shift on April 1.
Ford unveiled the 2024 F-150 in September last year as part of a mid-cycle update. Several design tweaks have been made to the popular pickup truck and new features can also be discovered inside the cabin, adding a 12-inch touchscreen. head-up demonstration and Ford’s complex new BlueCruise 1. 2 Level 2 driver assistance system.