Thanks to Kate Osba and the good people at Fortune who sent me out to Huntley, Illinois (just past Elgin*) to learn all about the manufacture of the traditional charcoal kettle grill at the world famous Weber factory. Pick up this week’s edition (Aug 13) to read more about exactly how many millions of these things they sell every day. It’ll make a great conversation topic for this weekend’s weenie roast!

Kettles being formed at the Weber factory in Huntley, Ill

Powder coating

Painted grills ready to go

*Home of the Hostess/Wonder Bakery Thriftshop