April 11, 2009 09:23 pm
—
In 1903, Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Co. The company built expensive
cars. Ford realized that a cheaper car would bring new customers, and he
began work on an inexpensive car. In 1908, Ford achieved his goal with the
Model T. In 1909, Ford decided to build only Model Ts and 15 million were
sold.
Ford was also an innovator in his production of cars. The company used an
assembly line in which conveyor belts brought car parts to the workers. The
assembly line reduced costs and Ford passed the savings onto his customers.
For example, a Model T cost $500 in 1913, $390 in 1915 and $260 in 1925.
For was also a visionary thinker concerning employee wages. In 1914, the
Ford Company paid workers $5 daily minimum wage. Indeed, Congress didn’t
pass the Fair Labor Standard Act until 1938, which provided a minimum wage
of 25 cents an hour and a maximum of 40 hours per week. Ford believed good
wages would prevent the growth of labor unions. He also shrewdly understood
that good wages would allow workers to buy Ford cars.
Ford’s visionary leadership is surely needed presently by American business
leaders. Moreover, liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans could also
learn a simple business principle from Ford. Yes, a mandatory recycling law
should be required in every state. It would reduce costs of products,
protect landfills and preserve natural resources.
In 2009, Japan will build cell phones in which every part must be recycled.
Yes, the United States must become a nation of problem solvers and a beacon
of hope for the human race and this goal can partially be achieved by
business and political leaders’ using Ford’s visionary beliefs.
Roy Wetherington
Tifton
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