[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11137]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2003

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Ford Motor Company. Ford has exemplified the social, 
economic, and cultural heritage America and is deserving of due 
recognition for their many accomplishments.
  On June 16, 1903, 39-year-old Henry Ford and 11 associates started 
the Ford Motor Company. Armed with little cash, some tools, a few 
blueprints and abundant faith, these men set out to start one of the 
most innovative industrial and global institutions.
  During the 1903 production year, the first commercial automobile, the 
Model A, was released by Ford. This 8-horsepower, 2-cylinder vehicle 
had a 2-speed transmission, 28-inch wheels with wooden spokes and 3-
inch tires. It was the first of many alphabetical cars, as Ford went 
through 19 letters of the alphabet, creating Models A through S, with 
some of these cars being experimental and not available to the public.
  October 1, 1908 was a historic day as Ford introduced the ``Universal 
Car'', the Model T. The Model T proved to be a versatile car that could 
be reconfigured by buyers to move cattle, haul freight, herd horses and 
even mow lawns. In its first year of production on the Model T, Ford 
set an industry record, producing 10,660 of the cars.
  In the early days, all automobile makers built one car at a time. 
Ford revolutionized this process with the idea of moving the work to 
the worker. This became a reality when parts, components, and 140 
assemblers stationed at different intervals inaugurated the first 
moving assembly line in 1913. A new era of industrial progress and 
growth began for the company.
  The Ford plant in Claycomo, Missouri is a remarkable example of the 
many achievements of the company. Ford's employees, retirees, 
suppliers, dealers, and its many customers have truly been an asset to 
the 6th district.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Ford 
Motor Company on their 100th anniversary and for their many 
contributions to the 6th district, the State of Missouri, the United 
States and the world.

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