Manufacturing

Ford's logistics team scrambles to launch protective gear output

Face mask materials are unloaded in Ohio, then transferred to a helicopter, below, which took them to Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant.
April 19, 2020 04:00 AM

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co.'s pivot from transmissions to face masks at a Michigan plant began with an executive's late-night text to a colleague. It quickly morphed into a complex, intercontinental scramble to secure and ship machinery and materials — which was nearly thwarted by a flock of unfortunate birds.

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.