Made in Chicagoland: Stern Pinball

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Pinball has been a part of the Stern family since the 1930s, from the early table top models to today's sophisticated machines.

"It's a complicated product. There's over 3,000 parts in a pinball machine, over half a mile of wire, three and a half to four-man days of labor in a pinball machine depending on the model," said Gary Stern, President and CEO of Stern Pinball.

About 250 employees make up to 60 pinball machines a day. The work stations flow like a well-oiled machine. Each part is inspected, tested, and tested again before installation. Quality control is critical for these intricate, mostly hand-made machines.

The cable department is the most labor intensive, with five to six wire harnesses in each game. Parts are attached to the playfield along the assembly line. After one final set of tests, the 300-pound machine is ready to be shipped.

The game designer and head of the creative team leads the process.

"There's software developers who focus a lot on the rules and progression through the game. Mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, 2-D artists, animators and sound designers," said George Gomez, Executive Vice President of Game Development at Stern Pinball.

Stern Pinball develops three to four new titles a year. The pro-versions are for game operators and home buyers, and the limited editions are for collectors.

Pinball machines have been around since the 1930s. While the themes and technology have changed over the years, they are more popular than ever.

"It's fun - it's fun! That's all that counts," Stern said. "Capital 'F,' capital 'U,' capital 'N.' We make fun!"

"We're making some really cool games and really great titles. I think people are rediscovering what's great about pinball again," said Jody Dankbert, Marketing and Licensing Director for Stern Pinball.

Roz had an opportunity to play the Stern Special Edition Ford Mustang Pinball Machine at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. It was one of the highlights for her.

"I think games are made from passion, so you have to be passionate about the subject matter to design great games," Gomez said.

It's fabulous fun for the young - and young at heart!