Stellantis Faces Factory Stoppages Due to Trucker Protests and Chemical Spill

Stellantis experienced significant operational disruptions across multiple manufacturing facilities in both Europe and North America due to regional transport blockades and an industrial chemical incident. The challenges highlight vulnerabilities in the automaker's supply chain and factory scheduling across different international markets.

In southern Italy, protests by truck drivers over high fuel prices forced Stellantis to suspend operations at several major industrial sites. The Franco-Italian automaker temporarily halted production at its Pomigliano d'Arco plant near Naples, the Melfi car plant in Basilicata, and the Atessa van-making facility in the Abruzzo region. According to a company spokesperson, efforts were ongoing to restart those operations as the government approved a new aid decree and truck drivers began lifting roadblocks.

The Italian transport disruptions severely affected regional supply chains, restricting deliveries to supermarkets, hospitals, and petrol stations, while also forcing buffalo mozzarella, pasta, and tomato sauce producers to suspend operations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government responded by adding 106 million euros in tax credits for truck drivers to an existing package of 434 million euros, while taking a firmer stance against aggressive roadblocks.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Stellantis was forced to halt production at the north plant of its Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, which builds the Jeep Wrangler. Workers were sent home Tuesday night, and the company canceled the first and second shifts on Wednesday after a nearby hazardous chemical release triggered safety concerns.

The industrial incident originated at the MC Tank Transport terminal located about one mile from the assembly complex. The release involved glycidyl methacrylate, a chemical known to irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Toledo Fire & Rescue issued an immediate evacuation order within a one-mile radius and a shelter-in-place order for a three-mile radius.

City officials reported that the evacuation zone was later reduced to a half-mile radius and the shelter-in-place order was lifted. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department indicated that at least 60 people received treatment for symptoms potentially related to the chemical exposure, though no serious injuries or fatalities were reported.

The south plant of the Toledo Assembly Complex, which produces the Jeep Gladiator midsize truck, was not scheduled to operate during the week. While situated outside the one-mile evacuation zone, that facility remained within the initial three-mile advisory area. Union representatives emphasized that worker safety remains the primary priority while monitoring the aftermath of the spill.