How It's Made

PUTTY KNIVES, GARAGE DOORS, ELECTRIC MOTORS & WOOL - Each episode of this Quest +1 documentary series pulls back the curtain on the craft behind everyday essentials, from hand‑forged blades to high‑tech motors, showing how digital design and robotics have reshaped factories for UK viewers. A quick‑at‑a‑glance guide to the drama of manufacturing, perfect for British TV fans seeking programme highlights in their television guide and a fresh UK television experience.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW THE MAKERS: FROM PUTTY KNIVES TO WOOl is a brand‑new documentary series that pulls back the curtain on four seemingly ordinary British industries – the hand‑crafted putty knife, the robust garage door, the precision electric motor and the timeless fibre of wool. Each hour‑long episode blends on‑site factory tours, archival footage and cutting‑edge CGI to show how traditional craftsmanship meets modern technology, giving UK viewers a full‑detail, in‑depth review of the processes that shape everyday life. WHAT TO EXPECT The series opens with the humble putty knife, tracing its evolution from simple steel sheets bent by hand in the Midlands to today’s computer‑aided design that delivers ergonomic blades with laser‑cut edges. The garage door segment then follows a family‑run workshop in the North West, demonstrating how automated roll‑forming and smart sensors have turned a bulky metal door into a quiet, app‑controlled entry system. In the electric motor episode, viewers travel to a historic plant in Scotland where copper winding looms now operate alongside robotic arm assemblers, highlighting the shift from hand‑wound coils to AI‑optimised efficiency. The final episode celebrates British wool, moving from open‑range shearing to precision fibre‑sorting machines that preserve the natural qualities of the yarn while boosting sustainability. Throughout, the programme interweaves interviews with engineers, designers and heritage experts, providing a comprehensive guide that educates as much as it entertains. KEY FEATURES A standout cast of charismatic presenters – a veteran BBC science correspondent, a celebrated British craftsperson and a young tech influencer – brings credibility and relatability to the series. Production values are high, with cinematic slow‑motion shots of molten steel, drone footage of rolling hills where sheep graze, and immersive 3‑D visualisations of motor internals. The series is part documentary, part drama, offering a narrative arc that follows each product from raw material to finished good, making it a unique addition to the British TV landscape. WHY WATCH For discerning UK television viewers who appreciate quality programming, THE MAKERS offers a rare blend of heritage and innovation, showing how British industry adapts without losing its soul. It delivers full details on manufacturing techniques, sustainability challenges and the digital tools reshaping the sector, satisfying both the curious hobbyist and the serious engineering enthusiast. The series also highlights the human stories behind the machines, providing an emotional hook that turns technical content into compelling entertainment. Quest +1 CONTEXT Positioned within the Quest +1 programming slate, the series complements flagship documentary strands such as “Planet Earth” and “The Secret Life of Machines”, while offering a distinctly British focus on everyday objects. Its placement in the early evening schedule ensures it reaches a broad audience of UK viewers, from families seeking educational entertainment to seasoned professionals looking for an in‑depth review of their trade. As a new entry in the television guide, it promises to become a reference point for anyone interested in the intersection of craft, technology and British industry.