The Rouge
A legendary “city” amongst American history. It’s where the industrial revolution took hold. It survived two world wars and 18 recessions. The Rouge helped build America’s middle class with the $5-a-day wage. It survived the deadly explosion of 1999. At one point, it was suggested that it should be shut down in the early 2000’s. So despite all of this – and because of all of this – the Rouge has lived on.
And now, Ford’s super manufacturing complex celebrates 100 years as an American icon.
“To us, it’s more than a factory,” said Bill Ford. “It’s a source of pride for generations of workers who have built the best cars and trucks in the world. It’s an all-American symbol of strength, opportunity, and hope; a place where we’ve always been creating tomorrow together.”
Ford’s flagship plant is the only one in American history to produce vehicles – including ships, tractors and cars – non-stop for 100 years.
Into The Past
It all started many history-rich decades ago in 1918. The then brand new plant actually didn’t produce vehicles first. No, its first contributions to America belonged to the U.S. Navy, where it produced Eagle Boats during World War I. From the Model A, to the Mustang and F-150, the Rouge spent the next 100 years producing some of the world’s most innovative automotives.
Now, the facility’s 7,500 employees work three shifts round-the-clock to manufacture America’s best-selling vehicle – the F-150 pickup.
Into The Future
And as Ford commemorates the 100th year of production at the Rouge, it’s begun preparations for its next chapter innovative contributions, prepping the plant to produce a hybrid-electric F-150 in two years.
“Just as the Rouge has been a harbinger of progress for a century, Ford is committed to ensuring our trucks continue to power the world in a sustainable way – whether they are powered by EcoBoost engines, hybrid powertrains, or are fully electric,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company.
These technologies will continue to be produced at the plant using some of the latest technologies in robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality. All of this is thanks to Ford’s newly opened Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford, Mich. This perfectly positions the Rouge to remain a remain a plant known for innovation, sustainability, efficiency and prosperity as it heads into its second century.
“New technology and innovation continue to be hallmarks of all Ford plants – inspired by what the Rouge has been known for during the past century,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Global Operations. “We will continue finding new ways to apply new technology and tools to deliver high-quality vehicles for our customers and even more meaningful work for our hourly workers.”
Efficiency Leads Onward
These new tools aim to improve the already remarkable efficiency of the facility. Just how efficient are they? So, during the plant’s three-crew shift cadence, a new F-150 is produced every 53 seconds. Think about that for a second.
Ford’s innovations through the years have pushed the boundaries of the auto industry. Furthermore, Ford plans to once again add to its historical resume with plans to produce the first F-150 hybrid/electric truck at the Rouge in 2020. And beyond that, the Rouge will endure many more historical days, many more trials and tribulations; because of this–it will live on.
“…In many ways, the Rouge complex is the heartbeat of all that the American labor movement represents.” -Rory Gamble, UAW-Ford Vice President
