Now opening in 2009 is another U.S. factory that will be a twin to the Alabama factory.

Finally, on July 29, 1931, Ford laid off 75,000 workers and closed 25 of his 36 U.S. factories until sales showed some improvement.

U.S. factories, mines and utilities operated at 83.5 percent of capacity in July, the highest level in eight years.

Chrysler's 22 U.S. factories, which employ about 26,800 staff, were shut down on May 1.

Orders to U.S. factories for durable goods fell 1.8 percent in February, the second consecutive monthly decline.

But the same conditions would open every U.S. factory to Soviet inspectors.

High tariffs sheltered U.S. factories and workers from foreign competition, especially in the woolen industry.

U.S. factories, mines and utilities operated at 82.2 percent of capacity last month, unchanged from December's levels.

In just six years, sales dropped more than 30%, and every U.S. factory was closed.

Orders to U.S. factories rose 0.5 percent in February, the second straight small gain.