Some Assembly Required

The asphalt on highway four looked like one giant flat-top grill with heat waves rising to meet the two explorers who by now were well past over cooked. Like a mirage off in the distance we noticed a familiar tall blue tower reaching towards the heavens. Gaining ground, we realized that it was the fabled Ford assembly plant which closed it's doors in September of 2011. Passing by I couldn't stop myself from thinking what if? Relaying the info to my co-pilot Storytrail I was met with a logical "no way", turning around now all I could answer back was a confident "doesn't hurt to try" . Pulling into the main lot I gathered all my wits and thoughts together into a neat stack of neatly organized questions and tactics. It wasn't until I saw the looming security guard with an unhappy grimace that my brain collectively shit it's slacks. Initially my attempt appeared futile, I would not be getting in. Not today, not this week, more than likely not ever, but I was given a phone number and who to get in touch with in regards to getting in so I took it all in stride. Just as I was pulling out of the parking spot Storytrail pointed that the lead guard was now waving me over. Pulling up he asked if I had my camera on me and just by chance, what do you know, I sure did. Due to certain circumstances the tripod and speed light had to be left behind and soon enough Storytrail and I found ourselves shotgun seat on a golf cart with a personal tour guide. When all was said and done I made sure to graciously thank them again and again with hand shakes a-plenty. Riding off into the sun I was over the moon about getting in here, but not so proud of my methods that's why I ask all of my photos remain out of circulation for now.

More photos to come..?

Additional description and links provided by lambeth7102.

Automotive assembly plant built in the 60s and closed in the early 10s. About a quarter of the plant has been demolished as of December 2015, but the rest is intact (though some things like overhead lights have been disassembled), as well as fully intact surrounding buildings on the lot such at the Water Treatment plant.

Even though the closure of the plant was announced 2 years before the final car rolled off the production line, there are still many things that the manufacturer didn't care enough to take with them, including manuals, records, computers, and personal employee belongings.