John Ratzenberger's Made in America

Weber Grills

0.0January 11, 2005

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