‘How America Works’ Highlights Watco’s Role in Keeping the Supply Chain Moving

All day, every day, Watco moves cargo and commodities along the nation’s vast supply chain network. Normally, this critical, behind-the-scenes work is invisible to consumers.

On October 17, however, the country got to see Watco in action. The company was featured in “How America Works,” a national program that chronicles the work of Americans in essential trades. Hosted by Mike Rowe, the weekly, hour-long Fox Business program provides an inside look at America’s key industries.

Rowe’s film crew spent nine days at Greens Port, Watco’s 800-acre industrial park in the heart of the Houston Ship Channel , where crews move 70,000 tons of cargo every day by truck, train, and barge. The crew captured a day in the work life of five Watco team members.

Ernie Farrand, vice president of Greens Port, said being showcased in the program was a source of pride for team members.

“A lot of team members watched the show with their families, and the response I’ve heard from every person is how proud it made them feel to work at Watco,” Farrand said. “Family members know what we do, but they don’t get to see it in context. They didn’t realize how much coordination and machinery are required to move products like steel and massive windmill blades. When family members saw what Watco’s work involves, they thought it was awesome.”

Farrand said customers and partners who work with Watco both in and outside of Houston texted and called throughout the day after the program aired, expressing how well they thought Watco represented the industry and highlighted what team members do.

“They asked about what we were moving and the equipment we were using in the show,” Farrand said. “For those of us at Watco, we might think, ‘Sure, we’re using a 300-ton crane to pick up a $2 million part off a ship and put it on the dock. Not a big deal. We do that every day.’ It’s normal business for us and it becomes second nature. But when people who don’t work at Watco see what we do, it’s exciting. Folks at Greens Port felt very proud to show off what our team does to keep products and supplies moving to the people who need them.”

The six-person “How America Works” film crew arrived with thoughts about what they would shoot but worked collaboratively with Watco to listen to other ideas, adjust to weather, and take advantage of the dynamic activity happening around them.

Farrand said he hopes people who watched Watco’s feature will now better understand how the supply chain works and how much effort is required to keep it running smoothly.

“Besides introducing people to this ‘hidden industry,’ I hope the program will inspire more people to consider logistics and supply chain-related careers, especially at Watco,” he said. “These are great jobs that provide outstanding opportunities for workers and their families, and Watco cares about its people in ways that set new standards for the industry. There’s pride in being part of the critical workforce that keeps America moving.”

Those who want to see the show can watch it here: https://nation.foxnews.com/how-america-works/