Tesla Sues to Recover Cybertruck Production Equipment From Supplier
The automaker warns that without court intervention, component supply could run out within days.
Tesla has filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to force a parts supplier to return manufacturing equipment the automaker says it owns, warning that Cybertruck production could halt without court intervention.
What Happened
According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (Case 6:26-cv-0477), Tesla wants access to tooling used to stamp Cybertruck components at Giga Texas. The equipment is located inside a Troy, Texas plant operated by Angstrom Automotive Group, which acquired the facility from Anderton Casting last year and continued supplying Tesla. On July 13, Angstrom notified Tesla it planned to close the Troy location. The two parties failed to reach agreement on retrieving die-cast tools, trim dies, fixtures, cutting tools, gauges, and X-ray equipment that Tesla claims ownership of. A shipment of 700 finished parts scheduled for delivery on July 17 never shipped. When Tesla representatives arrived at the plant on July 21 with law enforcement, they were denied entry. The lawsuit alleges Angstrom then demanded an additional $250,000 per week to keep the facility operational, a request Tesla characterizes as holding its property 'for ransom.'
Why It Matters
The dispute directly affects Cybertruck buyers awaiting delivery. According to Tesla's filing, thousands of vehicles already assigned to customers depend on components manufactured with the contested equipment. The automaker states supply will run out 'in mere days' without access to the tooling. This case illustrates the supply-chain vulnerabilities that can disrupt vehicle production schedules, particularly for models still ramping output like the Cybertruck.
The Bottom Line
Tesla is not seeking resolution of any underlying contract dispute or damages—only physical access to equipment it claims to own. A ruling on the emergency request is expected within days. Tesla has pursued similar legal tactics before, including an ongoing trade secret case against former battery supplier Matthews International where a judge issued a permanent injunction earlier this year.
