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In 2006
John Ratzenberger of the Travel Channel’s “Made in America” show
and his film crew rolled into Athol, Massachusetts to shoot a feature episode on
The L. S. Starrett Company. The 10-minute episode was slated for
national television on January 9th, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time)
on the Travel Channel.
Mr. Ratzenberger, an actor well
known for his role as Cliff Clavin, the mailman on the popular comedy series
“Cheers,” now produces and hosts the show called “Made in America,”
which airs Tuesdays beginning at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on the Travel Channel.
Currently in its third season, the show celebrates the people, places, and
products that are uniquely American, saluting the men and women who work with
their hands to skillfully make the products that are the backbone of the
American Economy. The show is done in an informative, entertaining format.
John chose Starrett based on
their 125-year American Tool making heritage, their innovative, high quality
products and a skilled, dedicated workforce. Starrett craftsmanship is alive as
well. They are the last remaining full-line American precision tool company
still manufacturing, selling, and servicing products in the United States, and
worldwide.
Mr. Ratzenberger (a former
carpenter who owns a Starrett square) and his entourage spent a day at Starrett
filming, touring the plant and interviewing employees, while learning and
observing tool manufacturing processes for products such as calipers, squares,
indicators, and electronic precision tools. He also enjoyed trying his hand at
tool making.
Each year approximately 1,000
companies vie to be included on the show, but only about 40 are chosen. “We are
honored that John selected The L.S. Starrett Co.,” said Douglas A. Starrett,
President and CEO. “It is a tribute to our employees and an opportunity for
them to display their skills and craftsmanship. Mr. Ratzenberger is to be
commended for bringing into focus the importance of manufacturing in America,
which is part of the fabric that made this country great. Made in America
is a terrific show and we are all looking forward to seeing the Starrett episode
air”.
On precision manufacturing, Mr.
Ratzenberger said, “I grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a manufacturing town,
in and around machinists and machines. I’ve always thought of machinists as
artists. When you’re working with tolerances of one ten- thousandth of an inch,
if you make a mistake on that piece, you have to throw it away. Leonardo ‘da
Vinci could paint over his mistakes and everyone knows who he is. It’s my job
to make the world aware that these are true artists.”
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