| (1891
- 1994) |
| Inducted: |
1980 |
| Region: |
Northeast |
| Industry: |
Manufacturing
|
|
Frederick C. Crawford joined Thompson Products in 1914 and was sent to close its Detroit plant. He didn’t want to lay off 400 people, so he told them if they worked harder they could turn the factory around and keep their jobs. Within six years, the division was outperforming the home plant. Crawford became president of Thompson Products in 1933. He began diversifying, moving into replacement auto parts and engine valves for the aviation industry. In 1953 Crawford moved into the aerospace industry. In 1958 the two companies merged into TRW. |
