Ep 16. Wilson

John Ratzenberger's Made in America is a television series that takes viewers on a journey across America to explore the different products that are manufactured in the country. The show uncovers the history, science, and innovation behind the products and meets the people who make them. In season 3 episode 16, John Ratzenberger travels to Wilson, North Carolina, to explore the city's rich history of manufacturing.

Wilson is a small city located in eastern North Carolina that has a long history of manufacturing. The city was once home to several tobacco factories and cotton mills, but over time, these industries have declined. However, Wilson has reinvented itself by attracting new industries and businesses to the area.

John Ratzenberger begins his journey in Wilson by visiting a factory that produces high-quality bicycle frames. He meets the owner of the company, a skilled craftsman who has been building bicycle frames for over 30 years. The owner takes John through the process of building a bicycle frame, from welding the tubes together to painting the finished product. They discuss how the company has adapted to changes in technology and manufacturing techniques to continue producing top-quality frames.

Next, John Ratzenberger travels to a factory that produces theater equipment, including lighting and sound equipment. He learns about the history of the company, which has been in business for over 100 years, and meets the workers who create the products. He sees firsthand how the equipment is made, from assembling circuit boards to testing the final product. John also discovers how the company has adapted to changes in technology to remain competitive in the industry.

John Ratzenberger also visits a company that produces military-grade backpacks. The owner of the company is a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he uses his military experience to design backpacks that can withstand harsh conditions. John learns about the process of designing and manufacturing backpacks, from choosing the right materials to testing the durability of the final product. He also discusses how the company supports veterans by providing job opportunities and supporting veteran organizations.

Finally, John Ratzenberger visits a company that produces industrial hemp products. He learns about the history of hemp and how it has been used for centuries for various applications. The owner of the company takes John through the process of manufacturing hemp products, from growing the plants to extracting the fibers to creating finished products. John also discovers the many benefits of hemp, including its durability and sustainability.

Throughout the episode, John Ratzenberger meets the people behind these companies and learns about the challenges and innovations in the manufacturing industry. He discovers how these companies are adapting to changes in technology, supporting their employees and communities, and creating high-quality products that are made in America. John celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of the people he meets, and he encourages viewers to support American manufacturing by buying products that are made in the USA.