Richmond Shipyards

Richmond, California is home to 4 major shipyards that are operated by Permanente Metals Company. All of these facilities were under the management of Kaiser Shipyards, which was owned by Henry J. Kaiser.

Kaiser got started in the ship building industry during the 1930's when his company produced cargo ships for the United States Naval Fleet. During World War II the need for new vessels became so great that the Maritime Commission asked every ship builder in the country to go into mass production. The first Kaiser facility was opened in Richmond in December of 1940, and it proved to so fast and efficient that 3 others soon followed. Not only were the ships built quickly, they were also finished far under the expected budget.

The primary type of vessel that was being built to support the war effort was known as a Liberty ship. Kaiser introduced an assembly line style of production that led to these crafts being finished within 2 weeks, which was far less time than it took to do the same job at any other facility.

As World War II progressed the need for more ships increased because German submarines were destroying record numbers from the Naval fleet. The Richmond Shipyards began producing even more ships, and the ever growing necessity for more workers was largely responsible for the immense growth of the city. Over a 3 year period of time the population skyrocketed from 20,000 to 100,000 people! Kaiser's plants became well known for their intense production schedule, and during WWII the 4 Richmond sites built close to 500 ships, a feat which has never been duplicated.

Building ships is a hazardous occupation, and the workers who get involved are well aware of the dangers. People who worked at the Richmond Shipyards and similar plants all over the United States were also subjected to a threat that they were completely unaware of. This came in the form of asbestos based products that were found all over each of the 4 plants. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used to created thousands of goods, especially insulation products which were found all over ship building facilities. The mineral is strong and resistant to heat, but the microscopic particles that make it up are likely to break off and float in the air. Anyone who gets close to these particles can easily breathe them in, causing the small bits of asbestos to lodge permanently in the person's respiratory system.

Prior to the 1970's the general public was not aware that asbestos is a toxic material. When people inhale it, the mineral can do massive amounts of internal damage. It is responsible for the onset of breathing disorders, tissue scarring, several diseases and the often deadly cancer, Mesothelioma. This hazardous substance was later removed from the Richmond Shipyards, but over the years thousands of people were exposed, and many became ill or even lost their lives because of it.

By 2000 the Richmond yards had long been closed, but much of what was left of these sites was turned into the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park. The Park is a popular tourist attraction which was created to honor the women who worked to support the American defense efforts during World War II.

Last modified: December 09 2009.