Re: New "What Ifs?"

Posted by Steve203 On 2014/8/8 20:31:55
An 8 x 10 glossy photo I have from Packard News Service showing a view of the Packard plant from Harper Avenue in Detroit was issued in 1946. Here is part of what the caption on the rear of the photo states:


Has that photo been uploaded to this site? Does it show building 84A along Harper that was added after 42 for the Merlin test cells?

The total represents MORE manufacturing floor area than famed Willow Run."


I had noticed that EBG and Willow Run are both billed as 3.5Msqft, however material concerning Kaiser says the actual main factory floor at WR is 2.5Msqft, so the Packard caption is probably right.

There was zero reason the schlep everything from EGB all the way out to Willow Run...

They might have picked up some efficiency from improved work flow, no schlepping stuff over bridges from building to building or up/down elevators, but gain enough to make the move cost effective? Cadillac didn't see any need to move out of Clark St, which was almost as old as EGB, until Poletown was built in the 80s.

Many thanks to everyone here who contributed to my understanding of what was going on at Packard in that period. The more I think about it, the more sure I am that Packard should have jumped at Hudson's merger suggestion in 53, consolidated assembly at EGB, consolidated body building at Hudson's body plant, retired the step down body and sold a retrimmed Clipper with a 308 as a Hudson.

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