The plant, originally occupied by Bell Aircraft, began operation in April 1943 and was intended specifically to produce B-29 Superfortresses under license from Boeing.

As the nation prepared to expand its military production, the Roosevelt Administration believed that it was important to situate aircraft plants inland, away from vulnerable coastal positions.

That same day the Government announced it was taking control of Rickenbacker Field, which it would rename Marietta Army Airfield Construction of the plant began on 30 March 1942.

Located at the northwest corner of airstrip, the complex consisted of four main buildings: On 15 April 1943 the plant officially opened, and the first Bell B-29 was flown on 4 November 1943.

During the War the plant had a succession of four general managers: Captain Harry E. Collins, Omer Woodson, Carl Cover, and James V. Carmichael.