PCN Tours

2023 Program Schedule

PCN Tours episodes air on Sundays at 6 PM.

Sunday, April 9

Kepner Scott Shoes - Orwigsburg, PA (2012): In 1888, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania was beginning to emerge as a footwear manufacturing hub. That same year Kepner Scott Shoe Co. was founded from the former shoe firm of Haeseler, Kepner and Co. by Alexander Scott and W.C. Kepner. The Kepners are now 3rd generation shoemakers. Join us as we learn how they make their shoes!

Sunday, April 16

Byers' Choice Figurines - Chalfont, PA (2011): Originally founded in the 1960's, Joyce Byers, Created Byers' Choice Figurines. They have been creating Christmas figures for years and perfecting the technique. Known for their Caroler set which is greatly popular around the holidays. Join us as they show us their process!

Sunday, April 23

Strong Spas - Northumberland, PA (2018): Located in Northumberland, PA, Strong Spas competes at a global level for manufacturing. Known for their DURA-SHIELD hard cover system and the ULSTRASTRONG CoverLift system, they make all of their products right in central PA. See how they mold their spas and build their products to last on this episode of PCN Tours.

Sunday, April 30

Frederic Loraschi Chocolates - Harrisburg, PA (2015): Frederic Loraschi spent years learning his craft and skills alongside chefs from all over the world. He has taken this and created Frederic Loraschi Chocolates. They Source the finest ingredients from all over the world, dark chocolates of Venezuela, cocoa of Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Join as they share their technique and show us the skills they use.

 

 

Previous PCN TOURS

Watch previous PCN Tours episodes weekdays at 7 AM and 6 PM or stream on demand with PCN Select.

Lockheed Martin (2023): Join PCN as we travel to Lockheed Martin. They were originally formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. Responsible for creating planes, plane parts and flight related parts. They take us through the process of creating these parts that will later be used by pilots and other flight related uses. 

Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting - Phoenixville, PA (2021): Starting in 2006, Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting has been perfecting their craft! At Artifaqt wood pieces go from rough lumber to fine finish. Artifaqt is a family business centered around making, sharing food and gathering the community. Join us as we watch them and they take us through their process! 

Tex Visions - Carlise, PA (2018): Tex Visions has a vast array of methods at their disposal for getting their clients’ messages out to the public. They manufacture flags, tents, banners, backdrops, promotional counters, literature stands, advertising umbrellas, and flagpoles for their customers worldwide.  Since they began their business in 2004, Tex Visions says they have evolved from a start-up company to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of display hardware and custom large format printing.  They offer their products and services across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin and South America.

DiamondBack Truck Covers - Philipsburg, PA (2019): DiamondBack makes metal covers for the beds of pick-up trucks.  Some have a hinge in the middle allowing the driver to use half of the truck bed as a tool box and the other half to store everything else.  Other covers allow division of a truck bed into three compartments.  All cover variations emphasize easy access and security.  After you’ve filled up your bed, don’t stop there. Join us as we explore the process to create these products!

Putting Together PCN Tours

By: Larry Kaspar, Senior Producer, and Host

“Assembly required” are words some people dread reading.  Often there’s a cartoon next to them to soften the blow that shows a hapless guy with crumpled instructions scratching his head and a bike with the handlebars where the seat should be.

Me, they make my heart sing. I run for the toolbox. I actually take inventory of the parts before I dive in.  Who does that? 

Anyone who’s seen and enjoyed PCN Tours knows what I mean. The series shows how things are made in Pennsylvania.   

Back in 1995, Harley-Davidson in York was a logical place to start. Their motorcycles inspire a unique brand of loyalty.  We asked them to do the narration as the bikes went down the production line. That’s it. No professional voice-over, no script, strictly spontaneous. That simple, durable formula endures to this day.

Ever seen a wad of Silly Putty as large as your sofa? 

At the factory, the Silly Putty ingredients are put into a re-purposed dough kneader to mix them together. You know how when you kneaded Silly Putty in your fingers, the air bubbles made little cracking sounds? Well, the popping sounds at the factory might send you running for cover. They sound like gunshots. No kidding.    

Take Martin Guitars in Nazareth. If you play acoustic guitar, this place is mecca. When you see the craftsmanship here, you gain an appreciation for guitars, whether or not you’re a musician. 

These older episodes are a glimpse into the past, but viewers still stay in touch by giving us tips for new shows. Next time you’re intimidated by an assembly job, here’s a tip: don’t do it on a deadline. Then take a deep breath, take the plunge, and create.