Ep 3. Diamond Matches

John Ratzenberger's Made in America is a TV series that showcases American manufacturing. In season 3 episode 3, the focus is on Diamond Matches. The episode begins with a brief history of matches and matches manufacturing in the US. It highlights that Diamond Matches is the only remaining match manufacturing plant in the country and is over 140 years old. The host, John Ratzenberger, takes the viewers on a tour of the plant to show them the process behind the match production.

The tour starts with the raw material for matches - Aspen trees - which are sourced from sustainable forests. The logs are brought into the plant and are chopped into thin sticks, also known as splints. These splints undergo treatment to remove any excess moisture and impurities, which makes them more combustible. The splints are then transported to different areas in the factory for further processing.

John then takes the viewers to the dipping area where the splints are coated with a special mixture known as the 'match head'. This mixture is a combination of chemicals that include various oxidizers and sulfur. The coating makes the matches strikeable. Once the splints have been coated, they are dried before being cut to the appropriate size.

In the next area, John showcases the machine that makes the matchsticks. It's a fascinating process to witness. The machine takes the splints, cuts them to the appropriate size, and then strikes them against a rough surface to generate friction that ignites the match head.

The episode also highlights how safety is a top priority in match manufacturing. The factory has a dedicated team that conducts regular safety checks and inspections to ensure that the plant is functioning efficiently and safely.

Towards the end of the episode, John discusses how the matches are packaged. The Diamond Matches factory produces millions of matches a day, which are then sorted, bundled, and sent out for distribution across the country.

Overall, John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 3 episode 3 - Diamond Matches - is an informative episode that showcases the fascinating world of match manufacturing in the US. The episode highlights how a seemingly simple product like matches involves a complex production process that requires precision and safety measures. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in American manufacturing history and the manufacturing process on a larger scale.