Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Michigan

Having made the trip to Detroit, Michigan specifically for the North American International Auto Show, it also seemed fitting to visit a working assembly line while in the Motor City. The Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Michigan is a testament to American Industrialization in the 20th century. Henry Ford began construction in 1917, and when the complex was completed in 1928, the Ford Rouge was the largest integrated factory in the world.    

A massive expansion from the humble beginnings at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, parts for the Ford Model T were produced here but were assembled off site. In 1927 automobile production and assembly finally began at the Ford Rouge. The Ford Model B, the original Mercury, the Ford Thunderbird, and four decades of Ford Mustangs were produced here. During WWII the complex produced jeeps, amphibious vehicles, and tank and aircraft engines. Today, with increased globalization of production, only the Ford F-150 is now assembled here.

During our visit we toured the assembly line, although no pictures were allowed unfortunately. Still, it was amazing to see how complicated and elaborate the components were, and how quickly they were assembled as they moved down the line. Things like weather stripping and speaker wires in doors are a lot more complicated than you'd think. 

In the end we went up to the observation deck that overlooks the massive factory. The Ford Rouge has implemented some new energy saving measures, including covering the roof of the truck plant with low growth vegetation to filter rain water and to help moderate the internal temperature of the factory. They go into a lot more detail about cleaning up the environmental footprint that the Ford Rouge has undeniably made. It has changed substantially over the decades, but it remains an incredibly fascinating facility.  

Environmental roofing samples.