Ford Adds Over 1,000 Jobs to Boost F-150 Production, Doubling Down on Profitable Gas and Hybrid Trucks After Supply Setback
Ford is dramatically ramping up truck production, planning to build over 50,000 additional F-Series trucks (F-150 and Super Duty models) in 2026. This aggressive strategy aims to meet surging customer demand and recover lost output following the significant supply setback caused by the Novelis aluminum plant fire earlier this month. To achieve this goal, Ford is investing $60 million in plant upgrades and training and adding more than 1,000 new US jobs, reinforcing its commitment to its profitable traditional and hybrid truck models.
Production Push After Novelis Fire Setback
Ford’s decision to increase production is a direct response to both high demand and a critical supply chain disruption.
- Increased Output: Ford plans to build over 50,000 additional F-Series trucks in 2026.
- Recovery Goal: The production push is intended to make up for lost time caused by a fire at supplier Novelis, which slowed the flow of aluminum used in F-Series production.
- Plant Expansion: Ford will expand operations at its key truck plants in Michigan (Dearborn Truck Plant) and Kentucky (Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville) early next year.
- Product Lineup: The increased production will support the arrival of the updated 2026 Ford F-150, which maintains its broad mix of gas, hybrid, and electric variants.
More Than 1,000 New Jobs and Plant Investment
The plan will bring significant job creation and investment to the Midwest.
- Job Creation: Ford will add a third crew at its Dearborn Truck Plant, accounting for about 1,200 employees. More than 100 new positions will be added at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
- Investment: The Kentucky Truck Plant will see a $60 million investment aimed at boosting Super Duty line speed and training.
- Commitment to UAW: Ford Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra said the company is committed to supporting American manufacturing and ensuring steady output of “America’s most popular vehicle – F-Series trucks”.
Strategic Shift to Gas and Hybrid Models
The focus of this production increase is firmly on traditional and hybrid trucks, reflecting current market realities.
- EV Production Paused: While Ford continues to offer strong financing and lease deals to spark interest in the F-150 Lightning, production of the all-electric truck remains paused.
- Resource Redirection: Ford is redirecting employees to build more gas and hybrid trucks.
- Backbone of Profitability: Traditional F-Series models, with their “healthy margins and consistent demand,” remain the “backbone of Ford’s truck business”.
- Market Signal: The scaling up of output and job additions make it clear that the immediate future of Ford’s truck business “still runs on fossil fuels for the time being”.
Final Thoughts
Ford’s decision to add over 1,000 jobs and invest $60 million to boost F-Series production is a decisive strategic move to safeguard its dominance and recover from supply chain disruptions. By doubling down on the most profitable segments—gas and hybrid trucks—Ford is adapting quickly to market demand and internal supply challenges. While the F-150 Lightning remains important, this substantial investment reinforces that the traditional F-Series is Ford’s foundational and most resilient product line.
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