Diamond Sparkler to Star on Discovery Channel

Diamond Sparkler to Star on Discovery Channel

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO - A film crew from the popular Discovery Channel series "How It's Made" visited Diamond Sparkler Manufacturing Company in Youngstown on Tuesday.

"How It's Made" leads viewers through the process of making everyday products. Past topics have included apple juice, skateboards, engines and contacts lenses. The sparkler episode is scheduled to air in fall 2008.

"We are thrilled to be part of the Discovery Channel's 'How It's Made' series," said William A. Weimer, vice president of the B.J. Alan Company/Phantom^® Fireworks. "We have a very unique product that all Americans love, so we are a perfect fit for the Discovery Channel."

The sparkler plant is usually in a slowdown at this time of year, but Diamond cranked up production for the benefit of the five-man film crew. The crew was at the plant for more than 12 hours as they documented the entire sparkler manufacturing process, from creating the mixture to wire-dipping, curing and packaging. Nearly 26,000 sparklers were produced Tuesday just for the filming.

Diamond Sparkler Manufacturing Company, owned and operated by the Youngstown-based B.J. Alan Company/Phantom^® Fireworks, is the sole remaining sparkler manufacturer in the United States, and produces up to 800,000 sparklers per day during peak Fourth of July season.