A Look Inside The Abandoned Packard Automotive Plant
Peak To Pause
Not many factories have made a big impact on American industry, but the Packard Plant in Detroit definitely has. It now stands as a reminder of how cars were made with top-notch craftsmanship and high standards.
Company Origins
Packard Motor Car Company came in as one of America's premier luxury automakers. Founded in Detroit, Michigan, it joined Peerless Motor Company and Pierce-Arrow as part of the prestigious “Three Ps” of early automotive excellence.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
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Founding Family
The Packard brothers, James and William, came from a mechanical engineering background. Along with partner George Lewis Weiss, they established their first automotive venture in Warren, Ohio, that brought technical expertise to car manufacturing.
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Initial Success
Between 1899 and 1903, the original Warren factory produced around 400 vehicles that gained recognition for superior quality. This attracted rich customers looking for alternatives to European luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce.
Business Philosophy
James Packard believed in building automobiles without compromise. His engineering-focused approach chose quality over quantity, establishing manufacturing principles that would guide the company through its golden years.
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