Vickers (Detroit, Michigan)

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Vickers was founded by Californian inventor Harry Franklin Vickers, who was known as the Father of Industrial Hydraulics.His many inventions included the first hydraulic power steering system. He went on to invent numerous key components fundamental to the rapid growth of the fluid power industry, including his most famous innovation, the balanced vane pump.

In 1930, the company relocated to Detroit to be nearer the automotive and industrial markets, constructing a factory at 1360 Oakman Boulevard. After experiencing financial difficulties during the Depression, in 1937, Vickers became a division of Sperry Corporation which was controlled by Frederick Fisher, one of the Fisher Body brothers. Vickers was an important supplier to the war effort during WWII, leading to the expansion of the Detroit factory and the building of a new plant at 1400 Oakman Boulevard.

In the 1960's, the property was acquired by the Ford Motor Company and became the home of its Industrial Engine operations.