Ford Opens Model Soy Bean Plant, July 1938

Summary

In the early 1920s, Henry Ford began locating small hydroelectrically powered plants in rural southeast Michigan. These "Village Industries" employed local people who could maintain farms while working at the factory. The plant in Saline operated from 1938 until 1947. During World War II, workers here processed soybean oil for paints and plastics, and they machined parts for Pratt & Whitney engines.

In the early 1920s, Henry Ford began locating small hydroelectrically powered plants in rural southeast Michigan. These "Village Industries" employed local people who could maintain farms while working at the factory. The plant in Saline operated from 1938 until 1947. During World War II, workers here processed soybean oil for paints and plastics, and they machined parts for Pratt & Whitney engines.

Artifact

Press release

Date Made

25 July 1938

Subject Date

1938

Collection Title

Leo Landis Records 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

EI.363.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)
Photomechanical processes

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 12 in

Width: 7.875 in

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