Ep 1. Caterpillar

John Ratzenberger's "Made in America" is an entertaining and informative show that explores the manufacturing industry in America. In season 3, episode 1, titled "Caterpillar," John takes a closer look at one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world - Caterpillar Inc.

Kicking off the episode, John travels to Peoria, Illinois, to explore the largest Caterpillar manufacturing plant in the world. His journey starts with a tour of the assembly line where he sees how the massive machines are pieced together with precision. He meets with some of the workers and gets a glimpse into their daily routines and what it takes to build some of the toughest equipment in the world.

John then delves into the history of Caterpillar and how it has developed into the powerhouse it is today. He learns how the company was founded back in 1925 and what drove the creation of the first tractors. John discovers that Caterpillar's manufacturing philosophy is to produce durable, reliable, and long-lasting equipment, which has since become the hallmark of the brand.

In the second half of the episode, John heads to Tech Center in Mossville, Illinois, where he gets an insight into the design and development of Caterpillar products. He visits the testing facility where he sees how the engineers put the equipment through its paces to ensure its durability in even the most extreme conditions.

Next up, John meets up with the Caterpillar dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada, and learns about the important role that these companies play in the sales and distribution of Caterpillar products. He talks to some of the dealerships' employees and understands what it takes to become a successful Caterpillar dealer.

Finally, John travels to Houston, Texas, to see how Caterpillar equipment is utilized in the oil industry. From drilling rigs to pipeline construction, he discovers how Caterpillar products are a vital cog in the oil industry and how their durability is a critical factor in completing the job.

Overall, John Ratzenberger's "Made in America" season 3, episode 1 gives viewers a comprehensive look at Caterpillar Inc. and how their products have been instrumental in shaping American industry and infrastructure. It's an insightful and fascinating journey that sheds light on the importance of American manufacturing and highlights how companies like Caterpillar continue to lead the way in producing high-quality, long-lasting, and reliable equipment.