Quick Takeaways
- The article confirms Ford’s Oakville plant retooling remains on track despite tariff uncertainty, reinforcing North America–focused manufacturing resilience.
- It highlights a strategic pivot toward high-demand Super Duty pickups while preserving long-term multi-energy flexibility.
On December 16, Ford confirmed that Ford Oakville Assembly Super Duty production remains on schedule, even as U.S. tariffs continue to influence manufacturing decisions across North America. The company reiterated its commitment to restarting operations at its Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, positioning the site for a major role in future heavy-duty pickup output.
Ford stated that its CAD 3 billion retooling program at Oakville is progressing as planned, with the facility targeted to begin building its first F-Series Super Duty pickup in 2026. While the automaker did not disclose a precise start date, it emphasized that the transformation of the plant is advancing without disruption.
Ford Oakville Assembly Super Duty Production Timeline and Plant Readiness
According to internal communication shared with employees, construction milestones at the Oakville site are steadily being met. The exterior structure of the new stamping plant is nearly finished, while interior development is underway to prepare for equipment installation.
This progress marks a significant step forward for a facility that has seen limited activity since the end of Ford Edge production. Most of the plant’s approximately 3,200 hourly workers have remained on layoff since spring 2024, following the conclusion of the previous vehicle program.
Strategic Shift to Super Duty Manufacturing
Ford’s decision to prioritize Super Duty production at Oakville follows a strategic reassessment of its product roadmap. Earlier plans to manufacture a three-row electric vehicle at the Canadian plant were shelved, with the company instead opting to expand Super Duty capacity. This move is intended to support high demand and relieve pressure on existing production lines in Ohio and Kentucky.
Ford has previously described the facility as fully flexible, designed to support multi-energy vehicle architectures. This approach is expected to enable future generations of Super Duty pickups, including alternative powertrains, later in the decade.
Trade Considerations and USMCA Outlook
Despite the positive momentum, trade policy remains a key variable. Under current rules, Ford could face a 25% import tariff on non-U.S. content used in Canadian-built Super Duty trucks, potentially affecting up to half of the vehicle’s components. However, with discussions underway to renew the USMCA in the first half of 2026, there is potential for a resolution before Oakville-produced Super Duty models reach the market.
As preparations continue, Ford Oakville Assembly Super Duty production is shaping up to be a critical element of Ford’s North American manufacturing strategy, combining near-term internal combustion output with long-term flexibility for evolving powertrain technologies.
Ford stated that its CAD 3 billion retooling program at Oakville is progressing as planned, with the facility targeted to begin building its first F-Series Super Duty pickup in 2026. While the automaker did not disclose a precise start date, it emphasized that the transformation of the plant is advancing without disruption.
Ford Oakville Assembly Super Duty Production Timeline and Plant Readiness
According to internal communication shared with employees, construction milestones at the Oakville site are steadily being met. The exterior structure of the new stamping plant is nearly finished, while interior development is underway to prepare for equipment installation.
- Procurement activities have begun for machinery required in the body shop and final assembly operations.
This progress marks a significant step forward for a facility that has seen limited activity since the end of Ford Edge production. Most of the plant’s approximately 3,200 hourly workers have remained on layoff since spring 2024, following the conclusion of the previous vehicle program.
Strategic Shift to Super Duty Manufacturing
Ford’s decision to prioritize Super Duty production at Oakville follows a strategic reassessment of its product roadmap. Earlier plans to manufacture a three-row electric vehicle at the Canadian plant were shelved, with the company instead opting to expand Super Duty capacity. This move is intended to support high demand and relieve pressure on existing production lines in Ohio and Kentucky.
- Initial output from Oakville will focus on gasoline and diesel variants of the Super Duty.
Ford has previously described the facility as fully flexible, designed to support multi-energy vehicle architectures. This approach is expected to enable future generations of Super Duty pickups, including alternative powertrains, later in the decade.
Trade Considerations and USMCA Outlook
Despite the positive momentum, trade policy remains a key variable. Under current rules, Ford could face a 25% import tariff on non-U.S. content used in Canadian-built Super Duty trucks, potentially affecting up to half of the vehicle’s components. However, with discussions underway to renew the USMCA in the first half of 2026, there is potential for a resolution before Oakville-produced Super Duty models reach the market.
As preparations continue, Ford Oakville Assembly Super Duty production is shaping up to be a critical element of Ford’s North American manufacturing strategy, combining near-term internal combustion output with long-term flexibility for evolving powertrain technologies.
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