River Rouge

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In 1914, Henry Ford initiated the construction of a small plant in Dearborn, near Detroit, which eventually evolved into the 1,100-acre River Rouge Complex, the iconic auto factory known for Ford's "vertical integration." In 1999, Bill Ford III announced plans to reinvent the complex for the new century, with completion set for 2004. This illustrated history chronicles 90 years of the complex's evolution, showcasing the advancements in automaking and industrial technologies, along with the innovative concepts being integrated into its redesign. Central to its operation was self-sufficiency, where raw materials entered one end and finished cars emerged from the other—iron ore and coal were converted into engine blocks in under 24 hours. The narrative includes captivating inside-the-factory images and spans various manufacturing processes, including glassmaking and woodworking. It also highlights the Rouge's significant role in industry unionization, with 128,000 workers at its peak in 1929, wartime production, and its influence on Japanese automakers. The River Rouge remains a testament to Henry Ford's legacy, being one of the largest automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, and this work coincides with the complex's renovation and its ninetieth anniversary. Joe Cabadas, an automotive journalist, authored this engaging history.