No engine changes
The ongoing tensions in the global semiconductor supply chain continue to echo through car manufacturing, and the Valencia plant managed by Ford is no exception. In a carefully staged response, Ford did not cancel or suspend any production days as part of the latest scheduling review. Instead, a planned shift in downtime was approved through the Postpone Monitoring Commission, with a strategic move: the previously scheduled engine assembly pause for Friday, September 16, will instead begin on October 14. This adjustment aims to balance the need to conserve scarce components with the factory’s broader production commitments, ensuring a steady cadence for vehicle assembly while navigating supply constraints.
Within this portion of the facility, the calendar currently marks four additional holidays in September (the 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th) and five more in October (the 7th, 14th, 17th, 24th, and 28th). These dates reflect a structured approach to downtime that helps the plant manage inventory, minimize costly idle time, and coordinate with suppliers distributed across North America and beyond. The scheduling is designed to preserve critical output targets while allowing for the necessary pauses demanded by ongoing semiconductor lead times.
Several operators participate in the assembly process for Ford vehicles, each contributing to a streamlined workflow that keeps the line moving despite external pressures. The strategy focuses on maintaining momentum in other areas of production while accepting temporary pauses where needed, so the overall output remains predictable and reliable for customers and dealers alike. This measured approach underscores Ford’s commitment to balancing workforce planning with supply chain realities, all while upholding high standards of quality and safety on the shop floor.
No engine changes
What remains constant is the plan for engine operations. The company confirms that there will be pauses in engine assembly on the upcoming Friday and on September 23. Previously scheduled stoppages that began earlier in the week will continue on September 29 and 30, with additional pauses occurring on October 7, 14, and 24. In the weeks ahead, engine processing activities at the plant will also observe weekend-based downtime through the end of October, with the exception of operations on September 17–18 and October 15–16 when the plant will operate under adjusted schedules. These pauses are integrated into the broader production timetable to align engine output with the availability of critical semiconductor components, while maintaining a consistent flow of completed vehicles through the line. This approach helps Ford navigate the volatile supply landscape and keeps the assembly lines focused on quality and efficiency when parts become available again.