For any business, making the right decisions when it comes to manufacturing its product is crucial. If they choose the wrong manufacturer, it can lead to poorly made products and lower productivity – which is why so many new businesses view guides and get help to make sure they pick the right location.
However, these guides were not widely available in the ’50s and ’60s, nor were they as detailed as they are now, so how did GM make sure their production line was efficient?
In the following video, we may find out. The Corvettes were made in Flint, Michigan, then in St. Louis, and now in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
For 27 years, the Corvettes were made in St. Louis, Missouri. This video shares the history of Corvette manufacturing in St. Louis, MO, and the move to Bowling Green, KY.
History of Corvette Manufacturing
In 1953, the first 300 were built by hand in Flint, Michigan, just after General Motors unveiled the Corvette as a “dream car” in the Motorama show in New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel. The following year, production moved to St. Louis. In June of 1981, Corvette production transferred from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the new Bowling Green Assembly Plant.
Before this, the Bowling Green plant was a Chrysler air-conditioning unit factory. The building was completely renovated within 14 months into a modern automotive facility twice the size of the previous structure and with much better technology inside.
“Located just off I-65 at exit 28, General Motors Bowling Green Assembly is proud to be the only “Home of the Corvette”. Eight hundred production workers, represented by the UAW Local 2164, help assemble these vehicles on a one-shift, 8-hour, Monday-Friday production schedule. Approximately 50,000 tourists from around the world visit the plant annually to catch a glimpse of the manufacturing process at Bowling Green Assembly. In addition, the plant has partnered with the National Corvette Museum to enable Corvette enthusiasts the opportunity to watch their own Corvette being built, take a personalized tour of the facility and special delivery of their car, and acquire an exclusive photo book to commemorate the manufacturing process and “birth” of their Corvette.” ~ Bowling Green Assembly Plant website.
Vette Vues Magazine started in 1972 and has enjoyed continuous publication. Each issue is jammed packed with Corvette information covering C1 to C8. Each monthly issue has features, reviews, tips, restorations, clubs, events, racing, auction results, model cars, classifieds, products, services, and more. Enjoy the latest Corvette news, as well as some great historical facts.
