Leadership

During World War II, Emanuel produced all types of military aircraft, including giant bombers, aircraft carriers, and cruisers. After the war, Emanuel led the conversion of AVCO from a producer of aircraft and heavy goods to a manufacturer of consumer goods. Emanuel acquired a number of companies including the Crosley Corporation for $20 million in 1945 and Bendix Home Appliances in 1950. These purchases helped to transform AVCO into one of the early conglomerates by the early 1950s.