Made In America Season 4 Episode 4 Merillat Cabinets/Art Research Enterprises/Columbus Washboard
- January 9, 2007
John Ratzenberger's Made in America is a documentary television series that takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the manufacturing process of different products made in the United States. In season 4 episode 4, Ratzenberger visits three companies that are producing high-quality American-made products: Merillat Cabinets, Art Research Enterprises, and Columbus Washboard.
The episode begins with a visit to Merillat Cabinets, located in Adrian, Michigan. Merillat is one of the largest cabinet manufacturers in the country, and has been in business for over 70 years. Ratzenberger meets with the company's CEO, who shows him around the manufacturing facility and explains how the cabinets are made. The process starts with selecting high-quality wood, which is then cut and shaped into the desired pieces for the cabinets. The wood is sanded and stained, and the pieces are assembled into the finished product.
Next, Ratzenberger travels to Art Research Enterprises, a company based in Tarrytown, New York that specializes in creating museum-quality replicas of historical artifacts. He meets with the company's founder, who shares the fascinating story of how he got started in the business. Ratzenberger watches as the company's skilled artisans use a range of techniques to create replicas of everything from dinosaur bones to ancient pottery. He also learns about the company's 3D printing capabilities, which allow them to create incredibly detailed and accurate replicas.
Finally, Ratzenberger visits Columbus Washboard, located in Logan, Ohio. Columbus Washboard is one of the last remaining washboard manufacturers in the United States, and has been in business since 1895. Ratzenberger meets with the company's owner, who takes him on a tour of the facility and explains how washboards are made. The process starts with selecting high-quality wood and metal, which are then assembled into the finished washboards. Ratzenberger learns about the different sizes and styles of washboards, and even gets to try playing one himself.
Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger highlights the importance of supporting American-made products and the people who make them. He also emphasizes the skill, creativity, and hard work that goes into every product, from the cabinets at Merillat to the washboards at Columbus Washboard. With its focus on American manufacturing and the people who keep these industries thriving, John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 4 episode 4 is a fascinating look at the world of American-made products.