Ford Brings Aboard Second Truck Frame Supplier
08/10/2015 - To alleviate a shortage of steel frames for its F-150 pickup truck, Ford Motor Co. has hired a second supplier, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Citing unidentified sources, the Journal reported that Ford has asked Michigan-based Tower International Inc. to build frames. The Journal said Ford hired a second supplier because the one that it has, Mexico-based Metalsa SA, is having trouble keeping pace with production needs.
The Journal said that low fuel prices are helping to drive light-truck demand, which is at a 10-year high.
In a statement to the Journal, Ford said it anticipates having full availability of the F-150 by the end of the third quarter.
“We are at full production now, we are building stock at dealers and we continue to roll out additional” configurations, the company said. “As with all vehicle launches, we are working closely with our suppliers to meet customer demand for the truck.”
The Journal said that low fuel prices are helping to drive light-truck demand, which is at a 10-year high.
In a statement to the Journal, Ford said it anticipates having full availability of the F-150 by the end of the third quarter.
“We are at full production now, we are building stock at dealers and we continue to roll out additional” configurations, the company said. “As with all vehicle launches, we are working closely with our suppliers to meet customer demand for the truck.”
