Made In America Season 4 Episode 6 Gore-Tex/US Pole/Skee-Ball

John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 4 episode 6 titled "Gore-Tex/US Pole/Skee-Ball" is an exploration of three uniquely American companies who have made an impact on their respective industries.

The episode begins with a visit to the Gore-Tex headquarters in Maryland. Gore-Tex is a company that has revolutionized outdoor clothing with their waterproof and breathable fabric. Ratzenberger speaks with the company's founder, Bob Gore, and learns about the company's humble beginnings and how it became a leading innovator in textile technology. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining a balance between innovation and environmental sustainability. Ratzenberger is given a tour of the facility and gets a firsthand look at the manufacturing process behind Gore-Tex.

Next, Ratzenberger travels to Minnesota to learn about US Pole Company, a manufacturer of utility poles. He meets with the company's CEO, Scott Sazama, who explains the importance of utility poles and how they are essential to the infrastructure of the country. Ratzenberger is taken on a tour of the facility and shown the various stages of pole production, from the cutting of wood to the final assembly of the pole. Along the way, he learns about the challenges the company faces in ensuring their poles are safe and durable, while also complying with strict environmental regulations.

Lastly, Ratzenberger visits Skee-Ball Inc. in Pennsylvania, a company famous for its arcade game that has been a staple in American culture since the early 1900s. The company's president, Joe Sladek, explains the history of Skee-Ball and how it has evolved over the years. Ratzenberger is shown the manufacturing process of the game and discovers the attention to detail that goes into making each Skee-Ball machine unique. He also learns about the rise of the competitive Skee-Ball league and speaks with some of its top players.

Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger emphasizes the creativity and ingenuity of American companies and how their innovative ideas have contributed to the country's economic growth and success. He also highlights the importance of supporting domestic manufacturing and encourages viewers to buy American-made products whenever possible.

Overall, "Gore-Tex/US Pole/Skee-Ball" is an informative and entertaining episode that showcases the best of American industry and manufacturing.