Ford to Build More F-150, Super Duty Trucks in 2026
Ford announced Thursday a plan to increase production of F-150 and Super Duty trucks in 2026 to meet demand and offset the temporary production losses caused by a fire that destroyed aluminum supplier Novelis' plant in Oswego, New York on September 16.
The Blue Oval aims to build at least 50,000 more trucks next year, ramping up production from the first quarter. To achieve this, it will create up to 1,000 new jobs and move workers from other factories in the U.S.
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Specifically, the Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan will have a new third shift with 1,200 employees (including approximately 900 new jobs) to produce an additional 45,000 units.
As a result, F-150 Lightning production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will remain paused as Ford prioritizes gas and hybrid trucks, which use less aluminum and are more profitable for the company. In fact, all of the hourly employees working on the F-150 Lightning will transfer next door to Dearborn Truck Plant to join the new third crew.
Meanwhile, the Louisville, Kentucky plant aims to produce about 5,000 more Super Dutys in 2026 by adding at least 100 employees.
In Louisville alone, the required investment will be at least $60 million. Ford has not specified the total amount that will be spent on increased F-Series production, however.
“The Ford team, including myself, have been onsite at the Novelis plant in Oswego, New York,” CEO Jim Farley said. “We are working intensively with Novelis and others to source aluminum that can be processed in the cold rolling section of the plant that remains operational while also working to restore overall plant production. We have made substantial progress in a short time to minimize the impact in 2025 and recover production in 2026.”
Will Ford have to import more aluminum from abroad, such as Quebec, even with the new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump? Remember, tariffs on foreign-sourced aluminum rose to 50% on June 4 for all countries except the U.K., for which the rate remains at 25%.