Fires can be a very devastating force of nature and can leave those affected scrambling for answers. Ford was left in this precarious position after a fire on May 2 struck the Meridian Magnesium Products facility in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Meridian produces parts integral to the production of several Ford vehicles, including the customer favorite F-150.
This fire caused the company to cease production of the F-150, and negatively affected the manufacturing process of other Ford vehicles. However, the company didn’t let this apparent roadblock stop them. In fact, Ford is now resuming production of its legendary F-150; with less than two total weeks of downtime.
This rapid resolution of a catastrophic problem speaks to the capabilities of Ford. It was quite a feat of engineering, but the company was able to salvage parts and dies from the Meridian facility. They were able to move an 87,000 lb. die to a Meridian facility in Nottingham, U.K. Getting this die to the U.K. was integral to the F-150’s rapid return to production.
Moving the massive die was no small task, but what it did prove was the company’s dedication to its customers. Ford was able to get its F-150 back into production ahead of schedule, assuring that Ford customers will have no problem getting the vehicle of their dreams. With F-150 production on the line, Ford stepped up to the plate, and knocked it out of the park.