The move towards computer control at Ford Glass was
initiated by the use of a data logger by Pilkington Brothers
with their float processes. We were not quite happy with
the idea. In early 1965, Owens Corning Fiberglas announced
the use of IBM 1710 on their fiberglass furnace.
Later on, through our discussions with them, we were convinced
that this was the correct direction, and the management
decided to evaluate the possibility for our float
processes. In evaluating computer vendors, we observed
that the hardware being offered was quite similar, but IBM
was the only vendor that had a fairly good application
package to do direct-digital control. After discussion with
IBM, a presentation was made to the management discussing
cost estimates, contributions, aind operating
philosophy of a computerized float process. It was very
warmly received and we were on our way.