Mr. Rudolph Furrer
Mr. Rudolph Furrer was born in Union
City, New Jersey on April 14, 1893. An industrialist and engineer for more than 25 years, his initiatives and
creative mind led to significant improvements in the military's responsiveness to the enemy during World War II.
In 1933, he designed a unique welding process which revolutionized steel tubing by improving the strength of steel pipe, thus enabling it to withstand greater pressure. His highly sophisticated manufacturing designs allowed the production of up to 14 miles of pipe a day. His welding methods were used to mass-produce bomb casings during World War II.
He also designed the casings for the atomic bombs. He continued to assist the war effort by designing landing gear, their retracting apparatus, and supports. Improved propellers for military aircraft were designed under his tutelage, changing the manufacturing method of propeller blades.
Acting as a consultant because of his recognized knowledge of welding and automated manufacturing processes, he contributed to the design of the mass-produced Liberty ships as well as the design and manufacture of battle tanks.
Following the war, he designed the bomb casing for the first thermonuclear device. As president of the Nuclear Energy Products Division of ACF Industries, he started the company's nuclear products operation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Furrer died in Southport, Connecticut on January 19, 1965.