The Rush of Production and Quality Sacrifices During World War II

During World War II, the world witnessed a dramatic shift in the production of military hardware. What was once a slow and intricate process became a race against time, with quality considerations often taking a back seat to speed. This article explores the reasons behind this dramatic change and the significant sacrifices made in the name of wartime efficiency.

Rushed Production and Engine Disasters

The B-29 bomber, a marvel of pre-war design, exemplifies the challenges of rapid production during wartime. For modern standards, the B-29 was a catastrophe. Its advanced engines, while revolutionary at the time, posed a significant risk. On takeoff, these engines were prone to catching fire, leading to devastating consequences: entire planes were consumed, and crew members lost their lives. However, the urgency of the war effort trumped these safety concerns.

In contrast, today's aviation industry is meticulous. If an engine fails, all aircraft of the same model are immediately grounded for inspection. Only after the fault is identified and corrected do these planes undergo a refitting process. Liability lawyers are quick to blame companies for safety breaches. However, in a time of war, such precautionary measures were not prioritized.

Resource Allocation and Assembly Line Efficiency

Another factor that contributed to the speed of production during WWII was the lack of sophisticated electronic devices. This limitation simplified assembly processes, allowing for greater mass production. With a high demand for resources and a surge in workers, the scale of production increased dramatically. The quality of materials and craftsmanship was often secondary to sheer quantity and speed.

Commandeering Industries and Energetic Problem Solvers

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his senior officials recognized the paramount importance of production for the war effort. Industries were commandeered for defense production, and businesses received a boost in resources and demand. Major defense contractors were encouraged to send promising employees to business schools to learn efficient business practices. My father, for instance, underwent an accelerated six-month MBA program at Harvard, which transformed his sales management skills. This training equipped him with the knowledge to navigate the intricacies of wartime production and procurement.

Indirect and Creative Solutions to Wartime Challenges

The urgency of the war meant that every possible avenue was explored to meet production targets. For instance, my father was involved in procuring magnetos for the Navy. After several proposals, a creative solution was devised. By subtracting the cost of the extra casting and using different railroads to transport the "magnets," my father ensured that the required items were delivered, while the Navy's strict requirements were neglected. The Commander joked that they would both be thrown in jail if auditors ever uncovered the deception. This incident illustrates the lengths to which companies and individuals went to meet production goals in wartime.

The focus on production over quality was not limited to military vehicles. All measures of success in this period were centered on output. There were no liability lawsuits, and labor strikes were almost non-existent as workers recognized the national imperative. No marketing costs were incurred, and only one metric mattered: the quantity of war materiel produced.

The lessons of WWII are as relevant today as they were then. While the urgency of the war effort justified some compromises, the unintended consequences of prioritizing quantity over quality serve as a reminder of the balance that must be struck in any production environment.