Ford Assembly Plant

The historic Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, California, showcasing its distinctive brick and steel architecture along the waterfront. Once a key site for World War II production, the building now a great example of historic industrial architecture.

NPS photo/Luther Bailey

 

 

Entrance to the historic Ford Assembly Plant and the Visitor Education Center for the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

NPS photo, Luther Bailey.

Ford Assembly Plant

Access: Explore the exterior and waterfront. Please be mindful of businesses.
Location: 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, California.
Information: The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Educaiton Center is part of the Ford Assembly Plant complex. You will see the outside of the Ford building and can walk around the waterfront during your visit.

Historical Significance

The Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Richmond, California, was the largest assembly plant built on the West Coast and played a crucial role in America's war effort during World War II. Out of the three wartime tank depots in the United States, it is the only surviving structure. Its conversion to wartime production significantly aided the nation's war effort, making it a focal point in the National Park Service's Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.

Architectural and Economic Impact

Built in 1931, the 500,000-square-foot Ford Assembly Building was designed to produce the new Ford Model A. It was a major stimulant to the local and regional economy during the Great Depression and an important development in Richmond's inner harbor and port plan. Ford became Richmond's third-largest employer, behind Standard Oil and the Santa Fe Railroad.

The building is also an outstanding example of 20th-century industrial architecture designed by architect Albert Kahn, known for his "daylight factory" design, which employed extensive window openings. The main building comprises a two-story section, a single-story section, a craneway, a boiler house, and a shed canopy structure over the railroad track.

To ensure America was prepared for total war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt banned the production of civilian automobiles during WWII. The Richmond Ford Assembly Plant then switched to assembling jeeps and finishing tanks, half-tracked armored personnel carriers, armored cars, and other military vehicles destined for the Pacific Theater. By July 1942, military combat vehicles began flowing into the Richmond Ford plant for final processing before being transported out the deep-water channel to the war zones.

The Ford Assembly Plant assembled 49,000 jeeps, but its "claim to fame" was becoming one of only three tank depots in the United States. Every combat vehicle used in WWII was processed by one of these three depots. Here, the finishing touches were put on 91,000 tanks, half-tracks, armored cars, and other military vehicles destined for combat. This Assembly Plant was a key part of the mobilization of the "Arsenal of Democracy" and a historical part of what is today's industrial culture of the United States.

Richmond Tank Depot

The "Richmond Tank Depot," as the Ford plant was then called, helped keep American fighting men supplied with up-to-the-minute improvements in their battle equipment. Mobilizing the wartime production effort to its full potential involved close cooperation between federal military authorities and private industry on an unprecedented scale in American history. This laid the groundwork for what became known as the "Military Industrial Complex" during the Cold War years.

Post-War Transition

After the war, the closing of the Kaiser shipyards would have devastated the local economy had it not been for the continued production at the Ford Plant. The last Ford was assembled in February 1955, with the plant closing in 1955 due to the inability to accommodate increased productivity demands. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake severely damaged the plant.

The City of Richmond repaired and prepared the Ford Assembly Plant for use. Title to the building was then passed to Orton Development, and most of the building is now leased to various businesses. The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center is now housed in the historic "Oil House," which historically provided power for automobile production in the factory. The building currently has a new owner and continues to be an integral part of Richmond's industrial heritage.

 

The History of the Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, California

Industrial Expansion and Economic Impact

In the early 20th century, the city of Richmond, California, was burgeoning as an industrial hub. Its strategic location on the San Francisco Bay made it an ideal site for industrial development, benefiting from access to deep-water shipping and major railroads. Amidst this growth, the Ford Motor Company chose Richmond as the location for its largest assembly plant on the West Coast.

The decision to establish a plant in Richmond was part of Ford's broader strategy to decentralize production and reduce shipping costs. Transporting fully assembled automobiles across the country was expensive and inefficient. By building branch plants across North America, Ford could assemble cars closer to their final markets. The Richmond site, with its access to both the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads, as well as ocean shipping routes, met Ford's logistical requirements perfectly.

Construction of the Richmond Assembly Plant began in 1930, during the Great Depression. Despite the economic downturn, the project moved forward, symbolizing industrial optimism. Clinton Construction Company of San Francisco was awarded the $3,500,000 contract, and Albert Kahn Associates of Detroit designed the plant. Kahn, renowned for his "daylight factory" design, incorporated extensive window openings to allow natural light to flood the workspace, improving working conditions and productivity.

The plant officially opened on August 1, 1931, and quickly became a significant economic driver for Richmond. At full production capacity, it employed 2,600 workers and could produce up to 400 cars per eight-hour shift. This infusion of jobs and industrial activity was a major stimulant to the local and regional economy, positioning Richmond as an essential node in Ford's production network.

Architectural Marvel: Design and Functionality

The Richmond Assembly Plant was both a symbol of industrial strength and a showcase of architectural innovation. Covering nearly 500,000 square feet, the plant consisted of multiple sections, including a two-story main assembly area, a single-story section, a craneway, a boiler house, and a shed canopy over the railroad track. The design facilitated an efficient flow of materials and assembly processes.

Raw materials and unassembled parts arrived by ship or railroad, entering the plant through the pier and craneway at the south end or the railroad spur along the east side. Inside, cranes and conveyors moved parts to storage locations, while sub-assembly lines fabricated components like engines and wheels. These sub-assemblies and other parts converged on the final assembly line, where frames became chassis, and chassis became fully assembled cars. The finished vehicles emerged adjacent to the plant's showrooms, ready for display, storage, or distribution.

The Richmond Tank Depot

The outbreak of World War II marked a significant turning point for the Richmond Assembly Plant. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt banned the production of civilian automobiles to prioritize military needs. Ford's Richmond plant swiftly transitioned to war production, becoming a crucial part of the nation's war effort.

Renamed the "Richmond Tank Depot," the plant's operations were overseen by an Army officer from the Ordnance Department. The facility began assembling jeeps and finishing tanks, half-tracked armored personnel carriers, armored cars, and other military vehicles destined for the Pacific Theater. By July 1942, the plant was fully engaged in processing military combat vehicles for shipment to war zones.

The Richmond Tank Depot was one of only three tank depots in the United States. Its "claim to fame" lay in its role as a final processing point for 91,000 tanks, half-tracks, armored cars, and other military vehicles used in World War II. The plant's ability to adapt and scale its operations was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of American industry during the war. This massive output contributed significantly to the "Arsenal of Democracy," a term coined by Roosevelt to describe America's industrial capacity to produce war materials.

The collaboration between federal military authorities and private industry at the Richmond plant laid the groundwork for what would later be known as the "Military-Industrial Complex" during the Cold War. This unprecedented cooperation ensured that American fighting men were supplied with up-to-the-minute improvements in their battle equipment, giving them a crucial edge in the conflict.

Unionizing the Workforce

The Richmond Assembly Plant was also a significant site for labor movements during its operational years. In January 1937, workers at the plant began forming union organizing committees as part of a broader wave of labor organizing across the nation. This culminated in a sit-down strike in April 1937, where workers demanded recognition of their union.

Despite initial resistance, Ford eventually recognized the union, and workers continued to organize for better wages and working conditions. The labor movements at the Richmond plant were part of the larger struggle for workers' rights during the industrial era, highlighting the plant's role not only in production but also in social and labor history.

Post-War Transition and Economic Challenges

With the end of World War II, the Richmond Assembly Plant transitioned back to civilian production. The plant resumed assembling civilian automobiles and trucks, contributing to the post-war economic boom. However, the early 1950s brought challenges. The plant's layout and capacity were insufficient to meet the increased demand for automotive production.

In February 1953, Ford announced plans to build a new, larger assembly plant in Milpitas, California. The new facility was better suited to accommodate the company's expanding production needs. The Richmond plant produced its last Ford in February 1955 and officially closed in 1955. The closure marked the end of an era for Richmond, which had grown dependent on the plant's economic contributions.*

The plant's closure left a void in Richmond's industrial landscape. However, the City of Richmond took steps to preserve the historic site. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant damage to the plant, but the city repaired and prepared the building for new uses. Title to the building was passed to Orton Development, and the plant was repurposed to house various businesses.

Today, the Ford Assembly Plant stands as a testament to Richmond's industrial heritage. The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center is housed in the historic "Oil House," which once provided power for automobile production. The center serves as a focal point for interpreting the stories of American workers on the home front during World War II.

The plant is part of the National Park Service's Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park legislation but is not owned by the park. It remains a symbol of America's industrial prowess, wartime resilience, and the enduring legacy of the workers who contributed to the war effort.

The Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, California, is more than a building—it's a piece of history that tells a powerful story of American ingenuity and determination. Built during the tough times of the Great Depression, it became a hub of innovation during World War II and played a key role in shaping the labor movement. Its legacy is woven into the broader narrative of economic progress, industrial achievement, and social transformation.

*According to the 2003 Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), Ford continued to use the Richmond plant to produce civilian cars and trucks until 1955 when, because of the greatly expanded market for cars in California's post-war economy, the company decided to move its Bay Area operation to a larger site in Milpitas. The Ford Motor Company closed the Richmond plant that year.

 

Quick Facts about the Ford Assembly Plant

1. Location: 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, California.
2. Built: 1931
3. Architect: Albert Kahn
4. Original Purpose: To produce the Ford Model A
5. Size: Approximately 500,000 square feet
6. Significance: Largest assembly plant on the West Coast during its time
7. Conversion: Shifted to wartime production in 1942
8. Wartime Role: Assembled jeeps and finished tanks, half-tracked armored personnel carriers, and other military vehicles
9. Production Milestone: Assembled 49,000 jeeps and processed 91,000 tanks and other military vehicles during WWII
10. Nickname during WWII: Richmond Tank Depot
11. Employment: Provided jobs for 2,600 workers at full production capacity
12. Post-War Use: Returned to civilian auto and truck production until 1955
13. Closure: Closed in 1955 due to the inability to accommodate increased productivity demands
14. Earthquake Damage: Severely damaged by the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989
15. Current Use: Houses the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center and various businesses
16. Historical Recognition: Part of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park
17. Architectural Style: Known for its "daylight factory" design with extensive window openings
18. Economic Impact: Major stimulant to the local and regional economy during the Great Depression and WWII
19. Transportation Access: Accessible by deep-water shipping and major railroads (Southern Pacific and Santa Fe)

 

FAQs about the Ford Assembly Plant

Where is the Ford Assembly Plant located?
The Ford Assembly Plant is located at 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, California.

When was the Ford Assembly Plant built?
The plant was built in 1931.

Who designed the Ford Assembly Plant?
The plant was designed by architect Albert Kahn.

What was the original purpose of the Ford Assembly Plant?
The plant was originally built to produce the Ford Model A.

How large is the Ford Assembly Plant?
The plant covers approximately 500,000 square feet.

What is the historical significance of the Ford Assembly Plant?
It was the largest assembly plant on the West Coast and played a crucial role in America's wartime production efforts during World War II.

What was the plant's role during World War II?
The plant was converted to wartime production, assembling jeeps and finishing tanks, half-tracked armored personnel carriers, and other military vehicles for the Pacific Theater. It was known as the "Richmond Tank Depot" during the war.

How many military vehicles were processed at the plant during WWII?
The plant assembled 49,000 jeeps and processed 91,000 tanks, half-tracks, armored cars, and other military vehicles.

When did the Ford Assembly Plant cease operations?
The plant ceased operations and closed in 1955 due to the inability to accommodate increased productivity demands.

Was the plant affected by the Loma Prieta earthquake?
Yes, the plant was severely damaged by the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

What is the current use of the Ford Assembly Plant?
The plant has been repurposed and now houses the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center and various businesses.

Is the Ford Assembly Plant part of any historical recognition?
Yes, it is part of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, but only in legislation. The building is not owned by the National Park Service, and there are no tours of the building. Visitors may walk around the waterfront and side of the building to take photos and get better views.

What is unique about the architectural style of the Ford Assembly Plant?
The plant is known for its "daylight factory" design, characterized by extensive window openings for natural light.

How did the Ford Assembly Plant impact the local economy?
The plant was a major economic stimulant during the Great Depression and World War II, providing jobs and contributing to the development of Richmond's inner harbor and port plan.

How was the plant accessible for transportation?
The plant had access to deep-water shipping and major railroads, including the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads.

Why is the Ford Assembly Plant considered a symbol of American industrial strength?
The plant's significant contributions to wartime production and its role in the mobilization of the "Arsenal of Democracy" highlight its importance in American industrial history.

Can the public visit the Ford Assembly Plant today?
While there are no tours of the Ford Building, the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center housed in the historic "Oil House," as part of the complex, is open to visitors. Visitors may walk around the waterfront and sides of the Ford Building as long as safety protocols are adhered to.