during World War II. A larger version, originally classified as a "tank lighter" came on its heels, the precursor of the LCM (Landing Craft, Mechanized). With the help of the Higgins boat, armies could unload across open beaches instead of at ports, which were heavily guarded. This allowed the troops to spread out and attack from a wide range of areas. These tactics were utilized for many Allied operations, including the Normandy landings. Higgins Industries work force and contracts Higgins believed in a diversified workforce for his plants, including all races and genders, and sought highly skilled employees. This type of workforce drew the attention of politicians, including Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, who were frequent visitors. Higgins Industries was one of the world's largest manufacturers, with over 85,000 workers and $350,000,000 in government contracts. With his first plant built on City Park Avenue, Higgins began to produce LCVPs non-stop. As more and more rail cars were filled and delivered to Bayou St. John, his government contracts increased, allowing him to expand to seven plants with the ability to produce larger landing crafts, PT boats and airplanes. One Higgins Industries plant was built on the Industrial Canal, allowing greater transportation access. World War II industrialist Higgins' plants produced a variety of naval equipment in World War II, including landing craft, Motor Torpedo Boats (PT Boats), torpedo tubes, gun turrets, and smoke generators. Over 20,000 boats were produced during the war. Operation Torch used three different types of landing craft. The first type were Higgins boats made of plywood and designed for navigating swamps. They were considered unsuccessful, due to rocks damaging the hulls, and requiring over-the-side disembarkment. The second of the Torch operation vessels was the Landing Craft Personnel Ramp. This version of the Higgins boat proved successful unloading onto beaches after testing on Lake Pontchartrain. This design placed machine guns at the bow of the vessel to the side in order to provide access via the center ramp. The third vessel in the operations was the Landing Craft Vehicle. Machine guns were moved to the rear of the boat to accommodate for an increase in supply space. This change maximizes space for transportation of large land vehicles with the use of a new full width ramp. During the war, Higgins became associated with Preston Tucker, who become famous for his controversial 1948 Tucker Sedan. Tucker had gained the attention of