Henry Ford
- Born:
- July 30, 1863, Greenfield Township, Michigan, USA
- Died:
- April 7, 1947, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Industrialist, Business Magnate, Engineer, Inventor
Early Life and Education
- Born on a farm in Greenfield Township, Michigan.
- Showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering.
- Received limited formal education, primarily attending a one-room schoolhouse.
- Apprenticed as a machinist in Detroit.
Career and Major Achievements
- Chief Engineer at the Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit.
- Founded the Detroit Automobile Company (later Cadillac Automobile Company).
- Founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903.
- Introduced the Model T in 1908, revolutionizing personal transportation.
- Implemented the moving assembly line, significantly increasing production efficiency and reducing costs. This is a key aspect of understanding Henry Ford work experience.
- Established the $5 workday, a then-unprecedented wage for factory workers.
- Pioneered mass production techniques in the automotive industry.
Notable Works
- Model T automobile
- Fordson tractor
- My Life and Work (autobiography)
Legacy and Impact
Henry Ford's impact on the 20th century is profound. His innovations in manufacturing and his affordable Model T transformed transportation and influenced industrial practices worldwide. He is both praised for democratizing access to automobiles and criticized for his business practices and social views. He is a pivotal figure in industrial history.