An aluminum shortage is causing a temporary halt in production at a Michigan factory that produces certain Jeep vehicles, including its flagship luxury SUV.
A United Auto Workers (UAW) source told FOX Business that a shift at the Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan is on temporary layoff due to an aluminum supply chain issue. The production halt is affecting Jeep’s Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, the source said.
The UAW, a labor union representing the Big Three automakers—General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep)—confirmed that the stoppage at the Warren plant began the week of October 13. Stellantis told FOX Business that the plant will remain idled for three weeks, with production expected to resume on November 3.
This development follows a similar production cut by Ford at its Kentucky Truck Plant. Ford temporarily halted production of its three-row SUVs—the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator—due to the same aluminum supply shortage. According to a memo from the United Auto Workers obtained by The Wall Street Journal, these disruptions are connected.
Both production issues stem from a fire that broke out at a Novelis plant in Oswego, New York. Novelis, a key supplier of automotive-grade aluminum, suspended operations in September following the incident. The fire occurred around 10 a.m. on September 16 and impacted only one area of the plant, according to a Novelis spokesperson. However, the affected section will remain offline for several months.
The Oswego facility supplies roughly 40% of the aluminum sheet used by the U.S. automotive industry, making its extended downtime a significant challenge for automakers including Ford and Stellantis. Novelis has indicated that it will not resume full operations until the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as it works to restore the plant’s hot mill.
Ford has stated that it is working closely with Novelis and other aluminum suppliers to address the shortage. “A full team is dedicated to addressing the situation and exploring all possible alternatives to minimize any potential disruptions,” the automaker said.
As the industry navigates this supply chain disruption, automakers are adjusting production schedules in hopes of minimizing the impact on vehicle availability.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/lifestyle/jeep-production-hobbled-due-to-aluminum-shortage/