"We put the visitors up on a mezzanine more for the quality of experience," said Jay Richardson, Rouge Project Manager. "Because one of the problems in a typical assembly plant, when you're down on the floor, you have stuff all around you. You can't see very much and you can hear even less."
 |
| Parts of Eagle Boats, a submarine chaser that was built at the complex during World War I, may also be added to the gallery. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
"On the mezzanine, visitors are going to have a bird's eye view of the production process and the whole plant, continued Richardson. "At the same time, they're going to be right in the middle of conveyors, moving components and body panels under, over and right past them. So, they are going to be literally immersed in the manufacturing process."
After touring the plant, visitors will return to the visitors center and walk by a gallery of legendary vehicles manufactured at the Rouge, from a 1929 Model A Roadster, to the 1949 Ford sedan--the vehicle that saved the company following World War II--to a 1956 Thunderbird, a 1965 Mustang convertible, and the 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Parts of Eagle Boats, a submarine chaser that was built at the complex during World War I, may also be added to the gallery, said Dennis Profitt, director and site manager, Rouge Center. "We've found bits and pieces of them, such as propellers, buried in the ground here," he added.
"We at The Henry Ford are absolutely delighted to partner with Ford Motor Company on this major experience," Hamp said. "And we are excited to be able to bring all of those who love the automobile back to the Rouge."
"So if you came here before with your parents or grandparents, and remind them of the magic of this tour, and bring them back again to experience a world-class attraction that will be opening for our community and our nation in 2004," added Hamp.
Next Week: Looking at the Highlights of the Rouge and Ford Seeks Innovations at the New Truck Plant