Door Industry Journal - Summer 2013

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk July 30, 2013 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry Ford, whose innovative ideas revolutionised transportation and brought mobility to the masses. Henry Ford’s enduring impact is being recognised through events and declarations across the United States and around the world. Celebrations at Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn headquarters were complemented by a special proclamation by the state of Michigan declaring this “Henry Ford Day.” In Washington, D.C., hundreds downtown and on Capitol Hill marked the day enjoying commemorative cupcakes delivered by a food truck - part of a mobile movement Henry Ford would support. While the day’s events marked the day of Henry Ford’s birth, they are just part of a year long celebration of the man and his achievements. Appropriately, given Henry Ford’s global impact, the anniversary of his birth is being commemorated in countries around the world throughout 2013. Some of the events include: • Dealers in 21 Asia Pacific markets have launched Ford Heritage month, transforming showrooms into exhibitions on Ford’s rich history • Ford of Germany marked the occasion with a series of five road rallies that celebrated Ford’s numerous automotive breakthroughs over the last 110 years • More than 4,000 people attended community events held by Ford in Romania • In Great Britain, celebrations were capped by the reveal of a restored statue of Henry Ford at the company’s UK Tech Centre In coming months, celebrations will continue with additional events across the United States, Europe and South America. Contributions to a better world Henry Ford’s introduction of the automobile into the mass market transformed agricultural economies in the United States and around the world into prosperous industrial and urban markets. Many historians credit him with creating a middle class in America. His high minimum wage - revolutionary at the time - set a precedent for fair distribution of company wealth that influenced later management practices. Henry Ford initially struggled to get Ford Motor Company on solid financial footing, but broke through with the Model T. The iconic vehicle debuted in October 1908, opening a new era in America. More than 15 million Model T’s were built and sold as Ford Motor Company put the nation on wheels. 70 THE door industry journal summer 2013 motoring & transport 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY FORD’S BIRTH CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD