Automobile Crank Shaft (Detroit, Michigan)

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Established in 1906 by James M. Hibbard, in a 60' x 60' store building on Gratiot Avenue, the Automobile Crank Shaft engaged in the turning and grinding crankshafts for the emerging automobile industry. Two years later, property was purchased at what was then 192 Piquette Street and a small factory was erected. By 1917 the plant extended 250 feet along Piquette Street with a depth of 165 feet and employed 250 workers making crankshafts for Winton, Marmon, Peerless, Franklin, Hall-Scott, Stutz and other auto makers. A further 40' x 165' extension was undertaken at that time to double production. However, by 1923 the business had failed and was liquidated.

Starting in 1926, the plant was converted to the production of envelopes. In that year Walter Laib, established Detroit Envelope which later became Wolf-Detroit Envelope. Around 1951, the property was owned by Service Envelope.