A Hoist P-Series pneumatic forklift

Hoist Liftruck could be the first forklift manufacturer to be featured in an upcoming season of a show for US cable television.

The fifth season of John Ratzenberger's Made in America on the Travel Channel spotlights blue-collar workers who contribute to the output of American-made products.

The show features its host, John Ratzenberger, travelling to US companies and talking to the workers about how their products are made, and the history and people behind the companies.

Hoist Liftruck president Marty Flaska says he is honoured that the company had been chosen to be featured on the show.

"We take pride in producing quality, 100% American-made products, and to have our company's history, products and employees recognised on national television is a true honour."

The show, which will be aired in late 2007 or early 2008, focuses on how a Hoist 45,000lb (20.4-tonne) capacity P-Series forklift is made - from the R&D stage right to the final product. Filming at Hoist's Bedford Park, Illinois headquarters finished early this month.

Hoist's marketing director Dan Peter says the show also highlights how the factory and Hoist employees work to produce the company's products.

"Our extensive company history [back to the late 1800s] is also discussed. The host, John Ratzenberger, gets hands-on in a few areas, including operating the P450."

Construction equipment specialist Caterpillar Inc, was featured in the show's second season when Ratzenberger visited the company's bulldozer factory in Peoria, Illinois.

Ratzenberger is best known for his Emmy-nominated character "Clifford Clavin" in the US sitcom Cheers. He has lent his voice talents to Pixar-animated films and is an outspoken advocate for American-made products and companies.