Stellantis has temporarily halted operations at its Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) in Michigan following a devastating fire at one of its key aluminum suppliers. The shutdown, expected to last for at least three weeks, has forced the automaker to pause production of its full-size Grand Wagoneer SUVs.
According to a report from The Detroit News, the disruption stems from a September 16 fire at Novelis Inc.’s Oswego, New York facility—one of the largest aluminum suppliers in North America. The blaze damaged the plant’s hot mill section, severely impacting the company’s ability to produce the aluminum sheets used in vehicle manufacturing.
“Due to a parts shortage, Warren Truck Assembly Plant will be idled beginning the week of Oct. 13 for three weeks,” Stellantis spokesperson Ann Marie Fortunate said in a statement. “The plant is expected to resume production the week of Nov. 3.”
Aluminum Shortage Hits Jeep® Production –
The WTAP facility is home to Stellantis’ premium Jeep® full-size SUV lineup. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer rely heavily on aluminum components, particularly for their hoods and doors. With Novelis supplying roughly 40% of the auto industry’s aluminum sheet metal, the fire has caused a ripple effect throughout the supply chain…