Still Made in the U.S.A.

Globalization and outsourcing are an unfortunate part of economic life in the United States. It saddens me to hear stories of factories closing, jobs being moved abroad, and dedicated American workers left with few viable job options after devoting many years of their lives to the companies that employed them. However, the story is not all doom and gloom because there are still American companies that are successful because they treat their workers well and build quality products in the good old U.S.A. A very informative and entertaining show that features such American companies is John Ratzenberger’s (Yes, Cliff Clavin from Cheers) Made in America on the Travel Channel. John Ratzenberger travels around the country in his customized motor home visiting factories and shops making American products. Each episode usually features three companies. Last night, my wife and I were watching the episode that featured Caterpillar. It was truly amazing to watch how those monstrous bulldozers and other heavy equipment are manufactured. It was even more impressive to hear the President of the company talk about how employees come out of high school or college and then work for Caterpillar their entire careers. Caterpillar’s dedication to its employees was evidenced by the granite wall with 150,000 names inscribed on it, representing everyone who has ever worked for the company. Wal-Mart may be helping its bottom line by having things made in China but Caterpillar and the dozens of other companies featured on the show are wonderful examples of American pride and that a Made in the U.S.A. label is not a relic of the past.