Explosions and a large fire at a parts supplier for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has slowed production at the automobile manufacturing plant.
The blaze broke out in the early morning hours of Wednesday at a manufacturing plant for Meridian Magnesium Products for America in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
In a letter to employees that was obtained by the Lansing (Michigan) State Journal, plant manager George Asher said the 1:30 a.m. fire triggered the evacuation of all employees, though two workers sustained minor injuries. They were later treated and released from a local hospital.
According to its website, Magnesium Products for America makes die-cast vehicle parts out of magnesium, a lightweight metal, for a number of automotive companies, including Fiat, Tesla Motors, Ford, General Motors, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
MBUSI spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald said Saturday that some of the local plant’s production could remain delayed until the middle of the week.
“We can confirm that we are working diligently to keep parts shortfalls for MBUSI to a minimum,” Jerald’s statement said. “Some of our operations have not been affected by the (fire), but we do have some MBUSI shops that will temporarily halt production through Wednesday until an assessment and recovery plan is confirmed.
“No other details are available at this time.”
As of Monday, it was unclear what aspects of MBUSI’s production would be slowed or delayed as a result of the fire at the Magnesium Products for America plant.
Asher, in the letter to employees, said his intent was to resume plant operations as soon as authorities allowed.
“As soon as occupancy is authorized we will begin calling employees back to work to begin the cleanup …,” the plant manager said. “It is our intention to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.”