On the Dash:
- Production remains online, but ongoing air quality issues could temporarily disrupt manufacturing output if conditions worsen.
- Any prolonged production interruptions at Michigan assembly plants could affect future vehicle inventory and delivery schedules.
- Dealers should monitor manufacturing updates as wildfire-related disruptions continue to impact the Midwest.
On Thursday, dozens of employees at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne sought medical treatment due to hazardous conditions from wildfire smoke and high heat, according to the Detroit Free Press. Union members told the outlet that multiple workers were transported to local hospitals, as similar conditions were reported at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant.
The automaker stated that employee health and safety remains its top priority as it confirmed that both facilities continued to operate during the incident.
The Detroit Three, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, all said they’re monitoring air quality at their Michigan facilities and taking steps to protect workers as smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario blankets the region.
In a statement to Local 4 regarding its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Stellantis said employee health and safety remains its highest priority and that the company is actively monitoring air quality at each of its locations. The automaker added that test results have stayed below permissible OSHA limits. Notably, safety measures across the automakers include limiting nonessential outdoor work, keeping overhead and perimeter doors closed, maximizing filtered-air intake ventilation, replacing filters and making N95 respirator masks available to employees who want them. Additionally, Ford said its indoor air quality readings have remained below OSHA exposure limits.
Unions input
UAW President Shawn Fain called the situation a “high-alert” event and urged automakers to halt production if hazardous air quality can’t be adequately controlled. The union warned that wildfire smoke combined with extreme heat creates unsafe working conditions for manufacturing employees, and it encouraged workers to report health concerns to local union representatives and plant medical staff.
Further, employees reported temporary production delays as workers sought medical attention during their shifts. Ford, GM and Stellantis all confirmed their Michigan manufacturing operations remain open while they continue to monitor conditions.
However, the poor air quality traces back to wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, which have sent thick smoke into southeast Michigan and prompted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue a statewide air quality alert this week, with pollutant levels reaching hazardous ranges in parts of the state.
