The Ford factory at Dagenham opened on 1st October 1931, with its first vehicle (a Ford AA Van) being produced the same month. At its peak in 1953, around 40,000 workers were employed there. The factory ceased vehicle production in 2002, but engines are still built on site.

In 1938, members of the public could go on a river cruise aboard the ‘luxuriously appointed’ M. S. New Dagenham. The boat could accommodate up to 300 passengers who would depart from Westminster Pier at 11:30, being provided with a running commentary by a Ford official during the cruise to Dagenham, with the option of lunch included. Once there, they were treated to a two-hour guided tour of the factory by specially trained guides, before their return cruise to Westminster.

On display we have an advertising leaflet (LIB/E/DAG36) for this day trip, published by Ford Motor Company Ltd in 1938.