How a Bomber Factory Changed World War II

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The Willow Run Bomber Plant was a monumental achievement in industrial history, built by Ford Motor Company and designed by Albert Kahn to mass-produce B-24 bombers during World War II. Located outside Detroit, the 3.5 million square foot facility became the largest industrial building in the world when it opened in 1942, with a mile-long assembly line. This incredible factory transformed car-making techniques into aircraft production, eventually achieving the ambitious goal of producing one B-24 every hour. It played a critical role in America’s "Arsenal of Democracy," helping the Allies secure victory in World War II.

At the heart of the Willow Run story is "Cast Iron Charlie" Sorensen, a Ford executive whose visionary approach turned a sketch on a napkin into reality. Despite early challenges—skeptics dubbed it "Will it Run?"—the plant proved the doubters wrong. Beyond bombers, Willow Run’s legacy extends into American manufacturing, aviation, and even cultural history, with figures like Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, Charles Lindbergh, and Rosie the Riveter all woven into its remarkable narrative.

This video explores the fascinating story of Willow Run, its people, its impact on the war effort, and how it still echoes in modern industry today. Let me know in the comments if you’d like a deeper dive into topics like the B-24’s combat legacy, Rosie the Riveter’s contributions, or the plant’s postwar evolution.

About Randy:

Randy Hotton is a retired Navy Captain who spent 26 years flying in the active and reserve Navy. As a Navy pilot, he flew the P-3 Orion aircraft in Vietnam and conducted anti-submarine patrols during the Cold War. Randy grew up in Troy, Michigan, and has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. His first book, Willow Run, Arcadia Publishing, tells the story of the Willow Run Bomber Plant through words and images. Randy has been inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Lou, still live in Michigan. He worked in aviation until his recent retirement and has never lost his love of flight.

Randy's new upcoming book:

Links to learn more about Willow Run:



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