Wednesday, January 30 2013 6:19 PM EST2013-01-30 23:19:21 GMT
The Twisty Clip, the Tread Ahead - just some of the many products we know from the 'As Seen on TV' line.But they're not made in China - they're made right here in Mid-Michigan. Marc Jacobson will show
You've seen them advertised on late night television. The 'As Seen on TV line, is a worldwide, multi-billion dollar brand.
FLINT (WJRT) -
(02/06/13) - Many of the infamous 'As Seen on TV' products are made
in Caro, Michigan by Wow Products USA. And, believe it or not, many of
them are initially designed and brought to life by students at Mott
Community College in Flint.
"This place is the Mott FABLAB. The
FABLAB is short for Digital Fabrication Laboratory. It's a place where
you can make almost anything," said Doug Prehoda, Mott FABLAB
director.
The FABLAB deals with entrepreneurs all over the
United States. It's most high profile client is Wow President and CEO
Dave Allen. He calls on students to come up with prototypes for future
'As Seen on TV' products.
Allen's goal is to put out a new 'As
Seen on TV' product every month. He dreams up an idea, sends it off to
the FABLAB, and let's the students go to work. Right now, some top
secret kitchen products are in the design phase, but many unpolished
projects will be ready to go on sale within weeks.
If you're
wondering about FABLAB 'As Seen on TV' products that have already
scored big, look no further than the Twist and Clip.
"It's
selling millions, which is unbelievable to me and to think that it
started here with our designing with him," Prehoda said.
One of the best parts to come out of this is that a handful of Mott students are actually making money.
"We do have some grant funding out there, so we're able to get them a
job, and they're being paid to do this. A lot of them need the money to
help get through college, and we're able to help with funding through
that," Prehoda said.
And while it all might seem a little crazy, FABLAB students are just excited to have a hand in building a global brand.
"I'm making something that people around the country are watching in
their living rooms, and that's really cool to me," said Mott student
Justin Klimek.
Something else soon to be made in Michigan by
students at Mott Community College - those 'As Seen on TV' commercials
for many of Wow's products.
