Novelis, an aluminum supplier to Ford, is suspending operations until 2026 after a major fire

A major supplier of aluminum for Ford Motor Company It said it would suspend operations for several months after a fire broke out at its facility in September.

Novelis, Ford’s main supplier of automotive aluminum used in vehicles like the F-150 pickup truck, told FOX Business that its plant in Oswego, New York, won’t be back online until the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

A Novelis spokesman said the company has activated its global network of factories and is collaborating with industry peers to source materials to try to reduce the supply gap.

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“We are taking urgent steps to minimize the impact of the recent fire at our Oswego facility on our customers,” the spokesperson said. “At the same time, we are working around the clock to restore the hot mill at the Oswego facility.”

However, industry experts warn that automakers are still likely to face disruption, given Novelis’ important role as a major aluminum supplier to Ford and other automakers.

The fire started around 10 a.m. on Sept. 16, and only affected one area of ​​the plant, according to the spokesman. However, it will remain offline for several months, affecting the production of aluminum sheets used by US automakers, including Ford. The factory saves about 40% of the aluminum sheets it uses industry, According to reports.

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Ford told FOX Business it is working closely with Novelis, one of its many aluminum suppliers, to address the situation.

“An entire team is dedicated to addressing the situation and exploring all possible alternatives to minimize any potential disruptions,” the automaker said.

Ford declined to comment on how its production was affected.

Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader, told FOX Business that the fire will still have a direct impact on Ford F-150 production, as well as Other automakers Including Toyota, which relies on the factory for the RAV4. Volkswagen and Hyundai also use materials from the New York facility, although Ford remains the main buyer of aluminum at the plant, according to Moody’s.

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Toyota told FOX Business it does not expect any major disruptions, saying its “needs can be met through alternative suppliers.”

As of Tuesday, Volkswagen had not specified any immediate impact. FOX Business has reached out to Hyundai for comment.

“They’re sure to find other suppliers within the next few days, but Ford sells roughly three-quarters of a million F-Series trucks every year, and that means a lot of aluminum,” Moody said.

Moody said aluminum is not just coincidentally used with the F Series but is a key component of the car’s engineering and performance strategy.

Moody said aluminum helps reduce the weight of F-Series trucks, which helps deliver better performance and fuel efficiency. The F-150’s body panels, including the doors, hood, roof and tailgate, are based on this material.

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Moody’s also noted that electric vehicles could also be affected to some extent by this disruption, as aluminum makes up between 20% and 30% of the total vehicle construction.

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F	Ford Motor Company	11.74	-0.18	-1.51%

In turn, Moody’s said that this temporary pause may also cause other suppliers and automakers to de-prioritize electric cars in favor of more profitable models, at least temporarily.