U.S. Ford Production Levels Scheduled To Return To Normal Two Weeks Early

Just a little over a week ago, we reported that U.S. Ford production levels were on track to return to normal by July 6^th, which was pretty impressive given the many new safety policies and procedures the automaker implemented following a two-week closure stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. But even that prediction was a bit generous, apparently, as Ford announced today that it would now reach that point on Monday, June 22^nd – two weeks earlier than originally planned.

In total, that means it only took five weeks for Ford production levels to go from zero to 100 percent, which is undoubtedly impressive. When The Blue Oval reopened its North American production facilities on May 18^th, it did so on a very limited basis with focused production. But the plan all along was to slowly ramp back up to normal production levels while also implementing a series of new procedures designed to keep its workers safe.

“We are pleased to be able to return to our normal operating pattern in the U.S. on Monday, which is sooner than expected, because our workforce and suppliers are able to support it. The safety of our workforce continues to be our top priority,” said Ford global manufacturing and communication manager Kelli Felker.

This news comes at a pivotal time for Ford as it prepares to launch a flurry of new products including the 2021 Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, and Ford Bronco Sport. Ford had previously stated that it didn’t anticipate these products being delayed more than the two months that its plants were shuttered.

Things got off to a rocky start, however, as a handful of workers tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after the plants reopened, which raised fears of another shutdown. However, the automaker is currently unaware of any employee contracting the virus inside its plants and hasn’t had a new reported case since those early infections.

In the meantime, salaried Ford employees who are able to work from home have been given the option of doing so until at least January 1^st, 2021, or they can return to the office full-time or part-time if so desired.

We’ll continue to monitor Ford production levels and will report back when we have more, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford-related COVID-19 news, Ford production news, and continuous Ford news coverage.