Historic Ford Motor Plant to Be Demolished in Florida The brand seemed destined for success. Founded in the early twentieth century, it overcame high turnover and the Great Depression. It remains one of the most popular US automakers, known for iconic models such as the Ford Mustang and .
As Ford continues to set new milestones (particularly in the UAE), the company has set its sights on building new production plants. However, this means that there is little use for old factories since the company’s humble beginnings. Recently, local officials decided to demolish and bulldoze Ford’s only plant in Florida.
Cars in 1908, used a small rented factory in Michigan. Demand for the Model T rose rapidly, so Blue Oval had to shift production to two larger manufacturers to accommodate every order. In 1913, Ford developed the first movable assembly line.
The brand’s popularity increased so rapidly that many employees quit due to the ensuing labor demands. But Ford kept its turnover in check with higher wages, more employment opportunities for workers with disabilities, and slightly shorter turnovers.
Why is the Ford plant in Jacksonville, Florida about to be demolished?
Ford built one of its oldest production facilities in 1924 on the banks of the St. Johns River in Florida. Model A and Model T rolled off the production lines there until 1932. According to this, workers at the plant built an average of 200 units per day.
Although Ford survived the Great Depression, necessary budget cuts led to the plant shutdown. Once automobile production ceased, the company continued to use the building as a distribution center in the late 1960s.
It was abandoned for years after that until it was declared a National Landmark in 2003. But in mid-October, the Jacksonville City Council unanimously agreed that the building should be demolished within 90 days.
The decision alarmed historical activists, reports. Members of the Jacksonville Historical Society say the plant has been instrumental in developing communities and roads. They also believe that at least part of the structure must be preserved.
However, the building is reported to be in very poor condition after being abandoned for several years. A ship repair facility may be built in its place. This would create more employment opportunities for residents in nearby neighborhoods, making the new structure more beneficial than the defunct factory.
Before crews destroyed the Ford plant, historians will document the structure through extensive photographs.
1 of the oldest Ford dealerships still stands
Hotel St. Cloud, Minnesota, since 1903, when the Ford Motor Company was founded. Tenvoorde Ford is named after its owner, Steve Tenvoorde.
He was reportedly the first car dealer for St. He was later allowed to sell cars from several other emerging automakers, including Buick and Oldsmobile.
The dealership is still open today, and has been passed down through the Tenvoorde family through five generations. Despite its age, the store carries all modern Ford vehicles, including used and certified models. In addition, the dealership sells used cars of other brands and offers 100% online purchase.
To some historians, it’s a shame that the Jacksonville Ford assembly plant couldn’t outlast the Tenvoorde dealership. Although activists argue that maintaining the plant can boost local property values, the landowner still hopes to replace the building.
