The recent flooding in Switzerland has sent shockwaves across the global automotive industry, with Jaguar Land Rover at the epicentre of the disruptions. The devastation at a crucial aluminium supplier's factory has led to a scarcity of aluminium alloys, impacting the production lines of several high-end automotive brands.
Porsche and BMW are the other major car manufacturers affected by this supply chain interruption. However, Mercedes-Benz has reported that the aluminium shortage resulting from the floods will not affect its production. The company credits its diversified supplier base for this resilience.
Novelis is the supplier at the heart of this disruption. Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminium products and the world's largest recycler of aluminium. In late June, severe rainfall led to extensive flooding at its aluminium mill in Sierre, Switzerland, forcing Novelis to halt production. The company subsequently declared "force majeure," a legal clause invoked when unforeseen circumstances prevent the fulfilment of contractual obligations.
In response, Jaguar Land Rover has been scrambling to secure alternative suppliers. The usual summer shutdowns at manufacturing plants have exacerbated the supply chain challenges, adding further strain to the situation.
As the industry grapples with these unexpected hurdles, the incident serves as a stark reminder of supply chains' vulnerability to natural disasters. It also underscores the critical need for robust contingency planning to mitigate the impact of such events.
A spokesperson from Jaguar Land Rover stated, "Our priority is to minimise any impact on our production and, in turn, client orders. So, we are working with Novelis to assess the impact on JLR and understand their recovery plans."
"We have had good conversations with other suppliers, including Tata, within our group, to source aluminium from elsewhere."
The restoration efforts after the flooding in aluminium production facilities are still ongoing. Manufacturers must wait for the floodwaters to recede before removing the mud layers. Consequently, it remains to be seen how long these suppliers will be out of production.
