Ep 15. Brown & Haley Almond Roca/PPG Place

John Ratzenberger's Made in America is a television series that explores the manufacturing processes of various American-made products. In season 5 episode 15, Ratzenberger travels to two different locations to learn about the production of Brown & Haley Almond Roca and PPG Place.

At Brown & Haley, Ratzenberger meets with the company's vice president of manufacturing, who gives him a tour of the factory. Ratzenberger learns that Almond Roca has been made at the company's Tacoma, Washington production facility since 1914. He watches as workers mix together butter, sugar, and almonds to create the candy's signature toffee base. Then, they add a layer of chocolate and almonds before the candy is cooled and broken into pieces. Ratzenberger also learns about the packaging process, which involves carefully wrapping each piece of candy in foil and then placing them into decorative tins. He even gets to help package some Almond Roca himself.

Next, Ratzenberger visits PPG Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a complex of six buildings that is home to companies like PPG Industries, a leading manufacturer of coatings, glass, and paint. The building complex was designed by architect Philip Johnson and is known for its distinctive blue glass and steel exterior. Ratzenberger learns about the science behind glass making and sees the PPG Industries factory in action. He watches as workers mix together various chemicals and then heat them to extreme temperatures to create different types of glass. He also learns about the production process for architectural coatings, which are used to protect and beautify buildings. Ratzenberger even gets to participate in a demonstration of the coatings and sees how they can be applied to different surfaces.

Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger emphasizes the importance of American manufacturing and the impact that it has on communities across the country. He speaks with workers and executives at both Brown & Haley and PPG Industries about the pride they feel in creating high-quality products and contributing to the success of their companies. Ratzenberger also highlights the role that innovation and technology play in the manufacturing industry, and how American companies are constantly adapting to meet the needs of changing markets.

Overall, John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 5 episode 15 is an engaging and informative look at two very different American companies and their manufacturing processes. The episode is a testament to the hard work and dedication of American workers and the importance of supporting American-made products.