Ford Motor Company Rouge Plant Coke Ovens from Southwest Corner, August 1923

Coke ovens at Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant converted coal into high-carbon coke, used in the factory's blast furnaces to produce iron. In 1921, the Rouge's ovens could produce up to 3,600 tons of coke daily. New, more efficient coke ovens opened in 1937. The coking process also produced gas used to heat some of the factory's other furnaces.