What are the chances?! The Ford F-150 could really use a break, as a second aluminum plant fire leads to supply shortages. You might see more delays related to Ford trucks and other models as it searches for more automotive grade aluminum. 

Another aluminum plant fire threatens Ford F-150 production 

Many automakers such as Ford, Stellantis, and Toyota have been scrambling for supplies as a massive fire erupted in an aluminum plant back in September. 

The Novelis plant in Oswego, New York, supplies 40% of the aluminum used in the United States auto industry. But the Ford F-150 is its largest customer. Ford already stopped production for the Ford F-150 Lightning and other SUVs to save its resources for the F-150. 

Ford estimates that it could lose $2 billion as a result of the blaze. Then the automaker worked to offset about $1 billion of that by increasing production in other plants. 

However, another fire broke out at the same plant on November 20. According to Axios, this fire is considerably more serious. The plant finally got back online in October, despite the roof from the first fire still being damaged. 

Luckily, no one was injured, as the building was evacuated safely. However, the plant was trying to become fully operable again by the end of December. 

Now, the timeline could be delayed. The damage from the second fire hasn’t been fully assessed. This isn’t a good sign for the F-150 Lightning, as Ford has already been considering cutting it. 

Of course, Ford can look for foreign aluminum suppliers, but it worries about the extra costs involved due to tariffs.