Detroit Tank Plant
After further checking, we learned that the
majority of the former Tank Plant is now being redeveloped by the private
sector. The major new tenants are producing truck seats for Ford and axle
assemblies for the American automotive industry. Follow this link for more
background on the plant.
Below, the text from a brochure given to
visitors at the plant when tanks ruled the day.
Welcome!!
We are happy to have your visit us. It is
our sincere hope that, in seeing this vast plant and the tracked
vehicles it produces, you will share with us, and our Ordnance
associates, the satisfaction that comes with doing an important job for
national defense.
The cooperation of all employees and the
continuing assistance of and teamwork with, the Ordnance Department are
vital factors in this production. These factors helped build this plant;
helped in swelling America's strength during World War II; and are now
strengthening the security of our land.
We sincerely hope your visit will be a
pleasant and memorable one.
Cordially,
Chrysler Corporation
The Chrysler Detroit Tank Plant, built in
1941, was one of the first great United States defense plants. Its
construction on the site of an open cornfield was acclaimed an industrial
epic because it was planned, erected, and produced tanks on three assembly
lines in less than a year from the date the contract was awarded to
Chrysler Corporation.
Cover of a souvenir brochure from the Detroit
Tank Plant, early 1950s.
Image appears to be an M47 on a sling, being rail
loaded.
--Stefanowicz
Building and tooling of the plant were
almost simultaneous, and the first tank sped from factory to proving
ground only eight months after the contract award.
During World War II, the plant produced 22,
235 medium tanks and modified 1610 others. Chrysler returned the plant to
the Government in the Fall of 1945, from which time it was used as
Ordnance's principal tank manufacturing and Research and Development
facility.
Completed M47 on a test
drive, plant in background.
--Stefanowicz
Chrysler was invited by the Government to
operate the tank producing facilitates early in 1952. The Ordnance
Department retains here its Research and Development center for military
vehicles, which is staffed by Army and Civil Service personnel.
The area totals more that 153 acres, on
which stand 29 buildings and other facilities, including a test track one
and eight - tenths miles long. These buildings constitute nearly one and
one half million square feet of space.
It is very difficult to convey the
size of this building; there are several large
structures plus the testing
areas, lots, sheds and so on. Here is one of the main
production buildings
as of late 2003. To find large factories in Detroit is not uncommon,
o find
then fully utilized is somewhat noteworthy.
--Gamma
The M 47 medium tank, of which thousands
were produced in this plant, has been hailed as one of our most advanced
weapons. It has formidable striking power with its 90mm high velocity
main gun, its one .50 caliber, and two .30 caliber machine guns. |