|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Henry Ford didn't invent the automobile; he simply figured out a way to mass produce them. Utilizing advanced assembly line efficiencies and streamlining the entire production process, Ford was able to make a huge volume of quality, affordable automobiles.
Ford's automotive career began while he was still in the employ of Thomas Edison. Ford joined the Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit in 1891, working his way up to the position of Chief Engineer. When Ford told Edison of his vision of building affordable automobiles, Edison gave him enormous encouragement.
While still in Edison's employ, Ford built his first automobile, the Quadricycle. Three years later, Ford quit working for Edison to devote himself full time to the manufacturing of automobiles.
In 1903, he introduced the Model A and, five years later, introduced the Model T. Ford conceived of the idea of bringing assembly line technology to automobile production in 1907 and that dream finally came to fruition in 1913 with the opening of the first moving assembly line ever used in large scale manufacturing. Between 1908 and 1927, Ford would produce 15 million Model Ts.
"There is one rule for the industrialist and that is: Make the best quality of goods possible at the lowest cost possible, paying the highest wages possible," he said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
