THE FORD COMPANY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 5

THE FORD COMPANY

NEW YORK, May 27. The death of Mr Edsell Ford, who had been president of the company since 1919, has started speculation as to whom Mr Henry Ford will entrust with the direction of his industrial ‘ empire, valued at 718,000,000 dollars, says the United Press. It is generally believed that Mr Charles Sorensen V (Mr Ford’s production genius for 38 years) and Mr Harry Bennett (Mr Ford’s advisor for 27 years! will take over the direction until Mr Edsel Ford's three sons are ready to assume the leadership. MiHenry Ford is nearly 80 and although he is alert and energetic it is considered urflikeiy (that he will, again assume active directorship. Mr Edsel Ford’s sons are serving with the armed forces. Henry, aged 26, is a naval lieutenant and mathematics instructor at the Great Lakes training centre. Benson, who is 23, is a private in the Army Administration School. William, who Is 17, is a naval air cadet. Mr Edsel Ford, when he was appointed president in 1919, acquired 41 i per cent, of the stock—nearly all the outstanding shares not held by his father. He was regarded as one of the nation’s most brilliant executive men, and personally planned and supervised the conversion of the company’s plant to a 4,500,000,000 dollar war production programme in mu--1942. The firm’s Willowrun plant 1» the world’s largest single aeroplane factory.