John Ratzenberger's Made in America Season 2, Episode 8: Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils

Yankee Candle

First stop is the Yankee Candle factory, located in the small town of Deerfield, Western Massachusetts. John talks with Yankee's V.P. of Manufacturing, Art Rubeck, and joins the factory's employees on the assembly line. John also visits the nearby candlemaking museum, where he chats with museum associate Michelle Held and learns how bee's wax candles are mass produced, before dropping by one of Yankee's outlets to discuss candle scents with Fragrance Committee Chairman Bob Nelson. Next stop is Shelton, Connecticut, where Shelton's Better Packages are manufactured. Co-owner Phil White and Director of Sales and Marketing Ken Backman demonstrate how water-activated packing tape is stronger and safer than plastic tape. After John gives a history lesson on Wonder Bread, it's back to the Yankee Candle factory, as he partakes in employee Chris Curtain's farewell party after 18 years on the job. Last stop is John's hometown, Bridgeport, where he meets up with his buddy, Kay Williams, a boating

Pyrex

First stop is ""The Magic City,"" Charleroi, Pennsylvania, home to the Pyrex plant. Plant manager ""Jack"" Jackson gives John the scoop about the invention of the sturdy glassware before taking him on a tour. Then quality assurance associate Edna Maxson shows John how measuring cups are cooled on the last stop on the assembly line, the thermal downshock. Later, he meets with collector Mary Jane Martucci. Next stop is Auburn, Massachusetts, where Wolf Coach mass produces vehicles for the military, police and TV news. John talks with Vice President Richard Wolf... who can't talk about most of the vehicles. Captain John Welch, of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department, shows John the inside of their command unit. And engineer Steve Spinney details how he helped design a vehicle that scans cargo for contraband. Finally, John gives a history lesson on Hostess Twinkies, and we hear from Lewis Browning, who is a self-proclaimed Twinkie gourmet.

US Steel

First stop is the US Steel plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania. John talks with the company's local historian Lou Jack and steelworker Walt Oliver, and ""suits up"" to see the inside of a blast furnace. Next stop is Manlius, New York, home to Stickley, Audi & Co.'s handmade furniture factory. John meets with company historian Mike Danial, current owners Alfred and Aminy Audi, production supervisor Brenda Bennett, and case fitter Anthony Carolla. John is shown how a chest of drawers is built and assembled. Finally, John gives a history lesson on the microwave.

GE Transportation

Tillamook Cheese

First stop is the Tillamook Cheese factory in Tillamook, Oregon. Director of Cheese Operations Wayne Bean acts as John's tour guide and informs him of the process of turning milk into cheese, cheesemaker Dale Baumgartner shows John how to stack curds, and Quality Assurance Sensory Supervisor Butch Seufert (who is known as ""The Big Cheese"") splits a stick of cheddar with John. Next stop is John's hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, home to Derecktor Shipyards, who build ferries. After John gives us a glimpse of the outside of the house where he grew up, he meets with Derecktor's Chief Operating Officer Gavin Higgins, as well as John Moore, a plasma cutter operator, Brian McNicholas, an AutoCAD Specialist, and Dieter Schreir, the construction supervisor. The four show John how their boats are built. After John gives a history lesson on Knott's Berry Farm, it's back to Connecticut, where he takes a steamboat ride with Captain Bob, skipper for the Becky Thatcher.

Whitman's Chocolate

Weber Grills

First stop is the Weber Grill plant in Palatine, Illinois. President and CEO Jim Stephen -- whose father, George Stephen, invented the BBQ grill -- takes John on a tour of the company, which includes a bronzed statue of George holding a replica of his favorite tongs. Later, John and Jim head over to a backyard, where Edna Schlosser, Chief of Culinary Research and Development, breaks out some steaks, potatoes, peppers and string beans. John and Jim assemble a brand new Weber Genesis, fire up the barbie, grill the food, and share it with some assorted company employees. Next stop is Willoughby, Ohio, home to Gibson Bagpipes. John meets with company founder and native Scotsman Jerry Gibson. He also chats with machinists Sak Vathanohoto and Robert Exum and foreman Dennis Williams, and sees how a Gibson is made. Accepting Jerry's invitation, John suits up in traditional Scottish gear, breaks out his drum kit, and joins bagpipe pros Jamie Holden, Bruce Gregg, Kyle Corrigan and Ruthie Chapman

Pendleton Woolen Mills

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

Hallmark Cards

Kohler

Kitchen Aid

Everlast

Burt's Bees

Vitalie Company

Panoz Esperante Convertible

Hale Products, Fleetwood, Duraflame

Serta Matresses, Powell Skateboards