Semiconductor Shortage Idles Four Stellantis North America Assembly Plants:

Sterling Heights, Belvidere, Brampton, & Windsor Go Idle...

Robert S. Miller August 31, 2021

The global semiconductor shortage has dealt another huge blow to Stellantis, with the automaker announcing new production issues. Semiconductors are the backbone of today’s automotive industry, controlling electronic features like driver-assist technologies, hybrid-electric systems, and even infotainment connectivity. This time, the shortage is affecting production for several of the company’s most popular vehicles in North America.

According to several United Auto Workers (UAW) local union websites and a report from the Automotive News, several Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram Truck vehicles will be affected by the latest shortage of semiconductor chips.

UAW 1700 Notification To SHAP Employees About The 8/30 Shutdown. (UAW Local 1700).

The biggest of those plants affected is the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan, which is the only facility to manufacturer the highly successful Ram 1500 pickup. The news comes as the plant is gearing up for the launch of its 2022 Ram 1500 lineup later this month. SHAP’s 6,700+ hourly employees are temporarily laid off starting yesterday (August 30th) and will return the day after the Labor Day holiday (September 7th).

Ram 1500 moves through final inspection at the SHAP facility. (Stellantis).

This isn’t the first time that the SHAP facility has seen downtime recently. SHAP saw idle time for two consecutive weeks in July. One week was for the semiconductor shortage, while the second week was due to scheduled summer downtime.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD rolling off the Windsor Assembly Plant line. (Stellantis).

The Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP), another plant that recently faced idle time back in July, has been idled once again. The Ontario, Canada plant currently manufactures the trio of award-winning Chrysler minivans (Pacifica, Voyager, and the Grand Caravan).

The production line at the Brampton Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

Another Canadian plant, the Brampton Assembly Plant which manufactures the Chrysler 300 Series, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger will also join the WAP facility in being idle this week.

Production for both facilities should start back up on Monday, September 6th.

UAW 1268 Notification To Belvidere Employees About The 8/30 Shutdown. (UAW Local 1268).

The Belvidere Assembly Plant which builds the slow-selling Jeep Cherokee continues to be the most affected vehicle from the shortage, as Stellantis has again idled the Illinois facility. The facility and its adjacent stamping facility were idled yesterday (August 30th) until Monday, September 13th.

Jeep® Cherokee Production At The Belvidere Assembly Plant. (Stellantis).

“Stellantis continues to work closely with our suppliers to mitigate the manufacturing impacts caused by the various supply chain issues facing our industry,” responded Stellantis in an official press release about the shutdowns.