Education/Science/Factual Topics★ NewSubtitles
Duration
30 minutes
Series Info
Season 4 Episode 9 of 13

Quick Summary

The programme explores the processes used to produce car engines, flour, recliners and envelopes. It highlights how modern technology has driven advancements in the manufacturing methods for each of these items. Overall, the series shows the evolution of production techniques across these varied industries thanks to contemporary technological developments.

About This Program

The episode is a programme that takes a close look at how everyday items are produced – from the intricate assembly of car engines to the humble creation of flour, the comfortable construction of recliners and the simple craft of envelopes. Its focus is on the ways manufacturing methods have moved forward thanks to modern technology, giving viewers a clear picture of contemporary production. In the core of the show, each of these four products is broken down step by step. Viewers see raw materials being transformed into a finished engine, watch grain being milled into fine flour, follow the upholstery and mechanical work that turns a chair into a recliner, and observe the paper‑handling processes that result in a sealed envelope. Throughout, the programme highlights how each stage has been refined, showing the shift from older, labour‑intensive techniques to the faster, more precise methods made possible by recent technological advances. The series doesn’t just list the stages; it points out where automation, computer‑controlled machinery and new materials have changed the game. By comparing past practices with today’s streamlined workflows, it illustrates how efficiency, consistency and safety have all been boosted. Overall, the episode offers a concise yet thorough tour of four very different manufacturing worlds, underscoring the common thread of technological progress that links them all. It gives a practical sense of how modern engineering and innovation have reshaped the way we make the things we use every day.

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How It's Made broadcasts on Discovery Channel at 3:00pm, Monday, 9 February 2026. (Subtitles)

Channel Numbers:
Sky HD617Sky HD717Sky125Sky126Virgin177

Production Details

Runtime30 mins