The Semiconductor shortage crisis has seen some improvements, and production has been going quite well, but there are still kinks. For example, General Motors is now halting production of its breadwinning Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks at the Ford Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana for two weeks next month. This will be the first time this year the automaker has shut down its plant due to the shortage. However, considering the automaker is launching the new 2022-model-year Silverado and Sierra, this could be seen as a bit of a grace period.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado And GMC Sierra Production Halted
GM’s North American assembly plants have had regular production schedules since November 1, 2021. But it seems that lucky streak has run out. According to The Detroit News, last year GM and other automakers lost billions worth of revenue as production was halted at various plants due to the chip shortage.
GM pushed to keep the Fort Wayne Assembly Plant open as much as possible last year since it is home to its profit-rich Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The plant will be down the weeks of April 4 and April 11, and production is expected to resume as usual on Tuesday, April 19, with the third shift reporting in on April 18.
Image via Chevrolet
GM spokesman Dan Flores stated: “Overall, we have seen better consistency in semiconductor supply through the first quarter compared to last year as a whole. This has translated into improvements in our production and deliveries during the first three months of the year. However, there is still uncertainty and unpredictability in the semiconductor supply base, and we are actively working with our suppliers to mitigate potential issues moving forward.”
The plant’s executive director, Gary Duff, wrote in a notice sent to employees Friday: “I know schedule changes like this cause disruptions in our lives. The decision was not an easy one to make by the company. Please use this time to reconnect with family and friends, refresh your bodies, and recharge your minds. So, when we return, we will be ready to build the best trucks in the world with pride.”
Image via GMC
