Ford’s Chicago assembly plant celebrates 100 years

CHICAGO – The Ford Assembly Plant at 126th Street and Torrence Avenue celebrated its 100th anniversary Sunday, marking a century as Chicago’s largest manufacturing facility.

Hundreds of Ford officials, employees and politicians gathered at the plant for an open house celebration.

The factory, which opened in 1924 making Model Ts, has a rich history, operating through the Great Depression, producing armored vehicles for the military during World War II, and now making thousands of Explorers and Aviators. It is the oldest continuously operating Ford plant in the country and currently employs nearly 5,000 people.

“This plant has been home to many innovative products such as the Model T, Taurus and Thunderbird. It’s important to keep that legacy right here,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Johnson also praised the plant’s contribution to the city: “This is the soul of Chicago. Generations of workers have been able to raise families and contribute to our economy. That’s what it’s all about.”

Councilman Peter Chico added, “First of all, I want to thank everyone for their contributions to the community of Hegewisch and the 10th Ward, but also the city of Chicago. Thank you Ford for all you have done for the past 100 years. “

An interesting tidbit: The factory was built on the Calumet River, which allowed for the transportation of lumber from the Northwoods of Michigan, since much of the Model T was made of wood.