"River Rouge: Ford's Industrial Colossus" by Joseph P. Cabadas. This book is an ambitious and evocatively illustrated account of what is arguably the world's most famous auto factory. Spanning 90 years and a litany of remarkable events, River Rouge follows from Henry Ford's 1914 decision to create a self-sufficient complex to accommodate vertical integration, to the Rouge's recent makeover into an eco-friendly auto factory for the twenty-first century. Witness how this sprawling complex became a crucible for the American labor movement, America's "arsenal of democracy," and automotive evolution. Filled with evocative inside-the-factory shots, this illustrated 90-year history provides sprawling views of manufacturing processes, factory evolution, and the exciting new concepts Ford has incorporated into the redesign. Author Joe Cabadas also explores "vertical integration" as conceived at the Rouge—raw materials essentially entered one door and new automobiles exited the other. In fact, iron ore and coal were transformed into engine blocks in less than 24 hours. In addition to manufacturing processes that also included glassmaking and woodworking, the engaging chronological history explores the Rouge's roles as a crucible of industry unionization (at its peak in 1929, the 1,100-acre factory employed 128,000 workers) and wartime production, and its profound influence on Japanese automakers. Thanks to the Rouge's immensity and diverse operations, archival and current images provide a visual cornucopia for just about any reader. The informative text is supported by hundreds of vivid color and black & white photographs. Measures 12.25" x 10.75" with 192 pages, and is hardbound in BRAND NEW CONDITION! Buy now to own the most comprehensive history on Ford's industrial colossus.
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