Supply chain disruption forces Chrysler to temporarily shutter plants

A supply chain error will cost Chrysler valuable manufacturing time as the U.S. automaker was forced to cancel first production shifts at several of its plants on Wednesday because of a shortage of parts.

The manufacturing plants that were affected by the supply problems are largely centered in Michigan, and include factories in Jefferson North and Sterling Heights, Reuters reports. Jefferson North is a critical part of the car maker's supply chain, as workers there assemble the company's Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models - both popular sellers. Moreover, the Sterling Heights facility is responsible for the production of the Chrysler 200.

Chrysler has also temporarily shuttered its plant in Brampton, Ontario, which is responsible for the production of the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger; the halt to its supply chain could ultimately could hurt the company's profits and revenue as it endeavors to pay back the bailout it received from the U.S. government during the depths of the financial crisis.

Executives at the car company are currently debating whether to cancel the second shift at its plants; however, that decision in contingent on the delivery of further parts to its plants. This is the second time in less than a week that parts shortages have spurred the closing of plants.