US automaker Ford is increasing its full-size pickup truck production in response to higher demand and to recover lost production after a major fire at a New York aluminum mill.
The automaker said it will increase production of its F-150 and Super Duty trucks by 50,000 vehicles in 2026, with work being added at its Dearborn, Michigan and Kentucky truck plants.
The US auto industry has faced supply challenges since a major fire in mid-September at aluminum-roller Novelis' Oswego, New York mill took down the entire plant for two weeks and the hot mill until the first quarter of 2026.
The Oswego plant is a major supplier of aluminum sheet to the automotive industry.
Ford will also keep production of its less-profitable F-150 Lightning pickup truck paused as it focuses on producing more profitable internal combustion engine and hybrid F-150s which it says also require less aluminum.
Ford employees who previously made the electric F-150 will be transferred over to Dearborn to boost non-Lightning F-150 production by 45,000 vehicles. Ford will increase the workforce at Dearborn and supporting plants by nearly 1,400 workers.
Ford aims to produce 5,000 more Super Duty pickups at its Kentucky truck plant in 2026, increasing that facility's workforce by an additional 100 or more workers.
US steelmaker Steel Dynamics (SDI) said it has been able to produce and qualify some of its aluminum sheet products at its new aluminum mill for the automotive industry. SDI continues to ramp up its 650,000 short tons/yr aluminum mill located in Columbus, Mississippi.
Global automaker Stellantis, which owns US brands such as Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler, said an unspecified parts shortage is taking down its Warren, Michigan sports utility vehicle plant for three weeks.
