Ford River Rouge Plant
An Icon in the Automotive Industry
In the heart of the city of Dearborn, Michigan, lies one of the world's most famous car factories: Ford Motor Company's River Rouge Plant, or Dearborn Truck Plant as it is now formally known. River Rouge Plant, or simply "The Rouge," is one of the world's most famous and historic car factories, and an icon in the history of car manufacturing. Moreover, it is the birthplace of each unique specimen of the world's best-selling pickup, the Ford F-150.
River Rouge Plant was built in 1917 and quickly became one of the largest and most advanced factories in the world. The plant was designed according to Henry Ford's vision to revolutionise the manufacturing industry by being self-sufficient and able to transform raw materials into finished vehicles - manufacturing from start to finish. This pioneering approach reduced costs and significantly increased efficiency.
It's no surprise that River Rouge Plant has become an icon in the automotive world. The plant represents more than just car production; it is a living monument that embodies American industrial strength and innovation.
It's no surprise that River Rouge Plant has become an icon in the automotive world. The plant represents more than just car production; it is a living monument that embodies American industrial strength and innovation.
The giant factory site in Dearborn also houses Ford's international headquarters, but Henry Ford wanted to make an even bigger impact than that. That's why he established his own museum on American industrial and engineering history here in 1933, and today the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, or 'The Henry Ford' for short, still occupies the River Rouge site.
Through The Henry Ford visitors can also take a guided tour of the River Rouge Plant, feeling the wings of American industrial history. But it's also a tour of a state-of-the-art car manufacturing facility, with innovations at the forefront of both manufacturing and building design, such as plant-covered roofs and storm water recycling that make the factory a natural part of the local ecosystem and minimise environmental impact and energy consumption.
Through The Henry Ford visitors can also take a guided tour of the River Rouge Plant, feeling the wings of American industrial history. But it's also a tour of a state-of-the-art car manufacturing facility, with innovations at the forefront of both manufacturing and building design, such as plant-covered roofs and storm water recycling that make the factory a natural part of the local ecosystem and minimise environmental impact and energy consumption.
It is on River Rouge Plant that the Ford F-150 is manufactured, the model that is the symbol of American robustness and reliability. The "Built Ford Tough - With Rouge Pride" sticker is not just a stamp of quality, it is a much greater sense of connection and pride, a prestige and a privilege. To own a car of this brand is to become part of a culture and to be a cog in a unique piece of automotive history.
River Rouge Plant has its very own railway system that was used for 75 years. At its peak – during the 1930s – upwards of 120,000 people worked on River Rouge Plant. Over time, the factory has undergone several upgrades and is now one of the most advanced and modern car factories in the world, while preserving its historical charm and heritage.
River Rouge Plant has its very own railway system that was used for 75 years. At its peak – during the 1930s – upwards of 120,000 people worked on River Rouge Plant. Over time, the factory has undergone several upgrades and is now one of the most advanced and modern car factories in the world, while preserving its historical charm and heritage.