In 1904, Henry Ford paid US$15,000 for a used 20-year-old brick factory on Piquette Avenue in the Detroit area. The building was designated as number “four.”
The 24 Piquette Avenue Plant served several purposes for the growing Ford Motor Company. It contained both the first completely mechanized assembly line and America’s first plant specifically planned for the production of automobiles. At that time, the plant was producing about 100 cars per day. Only about 200 feet in length, it was set up on a massive brick foundation along Piquette Avenue with open-air machine and assembly areas divided by wooden partitions. The workmen assembled, tested, greased and painted the carriages without roofs. The paint shop contained spray painting equipment, a novelty at the time.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is part of the birthplace complex of Ford Motor Company.
A historical marker was placed at the site in June, 1996 which reads: “Henry Ford’s first manufacturing plant built 1904–1909. Here he revolutionized industrial production methods employing the first moving assembly line for automobiles. This plant closed in 1910 when Ford moved to Highland Park Plant”.
The factory was designated a National Historic Landmark on May 5, 1978. It is now open as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is significant because:
-It was the site of the development of the first mass-produced automobile
-It was here that Henry Ford established a manufacturing system which is still in use.
The museum site offers behind-the-scenes tours, shows and programs with experts from around the world who bring their knowledge to visitors about everything from art to cars. It also houses an IMAX theater.
The first moving assembly line for automobiles was set up on Piquette Avenue Plant. The first mass-produced automobile, the Model T Ford, was built at the Piquette Avenue Plant. The factory building closed in 1910 when Ford moved to the Highland Park Plant. Henry Ford’s first manufacturing plant built 1904–1909 here he revolutionized industrial production methods employing the first moving assembly line for automobiles.”
-The factory was designated a National Historic Landmark on May 5, 1978.
-It is now open as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
-Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is significant because: It was the site of the development of the first mass-produced automobile and the first moving assembly line for automobiles.
-The museum site offers behind-the-scenes tours, shows and programs with experts from around the world who bring their knowledge to visitors about everything from art to cars. It also houses an IMAX theater.