Deadly explosion is having a ripple-effect at other Ford plants

DEARBORN, Mich. (Feb. 2) — A deadly explosion and fire that shut down Ford Motor Co.’s Rouge assembly complex yesterday is causing a ripple-effect at other plants in the company’s production system.

The explosion knocked out the power supply used to build glass, steel, engines, and the Ford Mustang.

Ford said it would have to slow production at 16 of its 20 plants in Canada and the U.S. if the Rouge plant cannot be brought back on line quickly. The explosion was located in the plant’s coal-powered generating station. Production cannot begin until power is restored.

Yesterday, the company decided to shorten the workday of first-shift workers at its assembly plants in Wixom, Mich.; St. Thomas and Oakville, Ont.; and Lorain, Ohio.

Rouge, a six-factory complex that houses both an assembly plant and parts plants, employs nearly 9,500 workers and has been in use since 1918. The stamping operation feeds 16 plants in Canada and the U.S., while the frame production line supplies parts to three other plants, including Ford’s factory at St. Thomas, Ont.

One person was killed and 14 were in critical condition following the explosion, which happened at about 1 p.m. yesterday.