Henry Ford
by: Vicente U
About henry ford
What he was known for?
Henry Ford created the Ford Model T car in 1908 and went on to develop the assembly line mode of production which revolutionized the industry. Ford sold millions of cars and became a world-famous company head. The company lost its market dominance but had a lasting impact on other technological development and U.S. infrastructure
About how ford got started
The Model T
The 1908 Model T had two forward gears, a 20 horsepower engine and no driver doors. They sold really fast.
Assembly line
In 1913, Henry Ford installs the first moving assembly line for the mass production of an entire automobile. His innovation reduced the time it took to build a car from more than 12 hours to two hours and 30 minutes.
His marriage
Clara married henry ford on April 11, 1888 in her parent's home and in November 1893 they had their first kid edsel.
A Thing Henry Ford Did Before Cars
He used to repair watches for his friends and family with his own tools.
The Time He Worked For Thomas Edison
In 1891, ford found work as an engineer as part of thomas edison's business, the Edison Illuminating Company. He then worked his way up to chief engineer in 1893 and was on call 24 hours a day to keep the detroit's electricity running. Six years later he left and went to work on his plans for a gasoline automobile.
Henry Ford's First Competitor
As ford and C. Harold Willis established another company and made a vehicle together. They got a lot of attention for it and after racing it, it got the attention of investors with funding from William H. Murphy. Ford was the chief engineer but later on murphy hired Henry M. Leland for a consultant position, ford took offense to it and left. The business was then renamed the Cadillac Automobile Company.
Henry Ford's Scam
He handed the presidency of the FMC to his son Edsel Ford. But Henry was still in control in having the final decision made. His goals was to gain complete control of the FMC by scaring stockholders to sell their shares making them think that the FMC would be no longer profitable. His plan succeeded with Henry soon obtaining complete control of his company.
Pioneered Welfare Capitalism
Ford pioneered the idea of welfare capitalism, which was intended to improve the quality of life of his employees. Ford established the $5 day wage which was double the average wage. HIs strategy proved beneficial for both Ford and his employees. Many of the best mechanics pursued careers with the company which increased productivity and reduced the cost and need of training.
Henry Ford Owned An Airplane Company
During World War 1 got into the aviation business, producing liberty engines. When the war ended the FMC continued producing cars. In 1925, Ford bought an airplane company the Stout Metal Airplane Company. Later on in 1933 the company folded due to the Great Depression.
Henry Ford Hated Car Racing
He was involved in car racing between 1901 and 1913 as both a developer and driver before he hired drivers. Ford actually hated car racing for him it was a necessity as a way to promote his cars and his company
Conclusion
Henry Ford was a remarkable and innovative person. There is no doubt that his genius has made a historical impact and revolutionized the world. His accomplishments will always remain one of history's biggest game changers in production and innovations.