Second Fire Erupts at Ford’s New York Aluminum Supplier Plant
Another significant fire occurred at the Novelis aluminum plant in Oswego, New York, impacting Ford’s supply chain once again. The blaze erupted on Thursday, highlighting ongoing challenges for one of Ford Motor Company’s key aluminum suppliers.
Details of the Fire Incident
The fire started around 8:45 a.m. local time. Multiple fire departments responded promptly, and all employees were evacuated. A spokesperson for Novelis confirmed that the fire has been extinguished, and crews are monitoring the site for safety.
Previous Incidents at the Facility
This incident marks the second fire at the Oswego facility in recent months. Earlier this year, another fire severely disrupted operations for several months. Additionally, a small fire was reported in October, compounding the plant’s operational challenges.
Impact on Ford’s Production
- The Oswego plant provides automotive-grade aluminum crucial for Ford vehicles, including the popular F-150 pickup truck.
- Due to the September fire, Ford temporarily reduced production at its Kentucky Truck Plant.
- The company also revised its profit outlook, forecasting a reduction of $1.5 to $2 billion before taxes and interest.
Novelis’ Plans Moving Forward
According to company representatives, it is too early to assess the current damage from Thursday’s fire. Novelis had initially aimed for a full reopening of the Oswego plant by early 2026 but recently adjusted its timeline to attempt a restart by the end of December.
Ford’s spokesperson has acknowledged awareness of the latest fire incident and stated that the company is working closely with Novelis to gather more information.
The ongoing situation underscores the vulnerability of automotive manufacturing to supply chain disruptions caused by operational setbacks at key facilities.
