And the mass-produced Model T helped create the American middle class. Dean Reynolds went forth the original plan to Detroit to learn more
The assembly line has always been an impressive mix of man and machine.
What it looks like now is a far cry from a century ago, when Henry Ford first embraced the idea
One that wound up turning America into an industrial powerhouse with a thriving middle class.
Bill Ford is the executive chairman of the Ford Motor company and the great-grandson of Henry.
He had visited the meatpacking business in Illinois and he saw there that the people were stationary and the product was moved to them
The progress itself has aged well and continues to improve.
To build a quality car, you have to be able to have your operator; you have to be able to do it efficiently and to do it injury-free.
Allison Stephens is a technical specialist that forms ergonomic labs.
And you now are seeing 3D and you are inside the computer, looking at the design of one of our vehicles.
She showed us how with 3D animation she and her team can approximate an assembly line
in quiet of their office, testing parts and designs without the need of building an actual model.
You can see every fastener, every hole, and every bend in the metal.
This virtual trial and error can tell Ford whether bolts turn;
This virtual trial and error can tell Ford whether bolts turn; tires fit or antennas are within reach to maximize the efficiency up and down the actual line.
Bill Ford likes that kind of thinking.
The proof of that can be seen in car, after car, after car.From CBS this morning Saturday, Dean Reynolds, Detroit.