Ford to resume F-150 production after factory fire

Despite a massive fire at Meridian Magnesium Products' plant in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the Dearborn Truck Plant will resume F-150 production by mid-May. By this time, with a difference of 4-5 days, work should resume at the Kentucky Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant.

“While the situation remains extremely dynamic, our teams have focused on getting our plants back into production as quickly as possible,” explained Joe Hinrichs, President, Ford, Global Operations.

Remove damaged equipment

After the May 2 fire, the teams reassessed safety concerns and restored power. In order for the production to function, it was necessary to extract and take out the damaged tool as quickly as possible, thereby minimizing financial losses.

“Faced with unexpected challenges, the Ford team, including our global supply partners, has shown incredible resilience, turning a devastating event into a shining example of teamwork,” said Howe Tai-Tan, Ford executive vice president of product development and purchasing.

Ford F-150 2018.

Finishing touches

Nearly 4,000 miles from the scene, a team in Nottingham was waiting for planes loaded with cargo to be deposited at a nearby Meridian factory.

“Through heroic efforts, we are resuming production of some of the most important vehicles,” Tai-Tan said.

“The time to fully resume production is getting closer every day,” added Hinrichs.

Most of the tooling has been restored and Meridian now manufactures parts for the F-150 at both Eaton Rapids and Nottingham. Parts made in Nottingham will be shipped daily by air until production at Eaton Rapids fully resumes. Ford says that despite the state of emergency, customers should not experience any delay in purchasing the F-150.