Henry J. Kaiser

Profession: Industrialist

Nationality:

Biography: Henry J. Kaiser was an American industrialist who made significant contributions to shipbuilding, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. He founded the Henry J. Kaiser Co. paving company in 1914, which became a prime contractor for major dam projects like the Hoover Dam, Bonneville Dam, and Grand Coulee Dam in the 1930s.

During World War II, Kaiser established the Kaiser Shipyards, which built Liberty ships and Victory ships using innovative mass production techniques. In collaboration with Dr. Sidney Garfield, Kaiser implemented a pioneering prepaid healthcare model for shipyard workers, establishing the Kaiser Permanente health maintenance organization.

After the war, Kaiser co-founded the Kaiser-Frazer automobile company in 1945, later known as Kaiser Motors. He acquired Willys-Overland, the manufacturer of Jeep, in 1953 and sold it to American Motors in 1970.

Kaiser further expanded his business interests to include aluminum production, founding Kaiser Aluminum in 1946. He also developed planned communities like Hawaii Kai and Panorama City and built hotels such as the Hawaiian Village.

Throughout his life, Kaiser was known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on healthcare, in 1948, to which he left much of his fortune.

Born: May 9, 1882
Birthplace: Sprout Brook, New York, USA
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: August 24, 1967 (aged 85)