Detroit Tank Plant

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.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/detroit.htm

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Completed M47 on a test drive, plant in background.
--Stefanowicz

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, to find then fully utilized is somewhat noteworthy.
--Gamma


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. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/detroit.htm 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. 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. 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. 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.		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 Completed M47 on a test drive, plant in background. --Stefanowicz
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, to find then fully utilized is somewhat noteworthy. --Gamma