Good vibrations: The Hollywood sex toys that are creating a global buzz

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Pocket Rocket

Molds are poured and cooled in water, some dipped in colored, food-grade dyes for a more fantastical look, while others come in more realistic skin tones.

The workers, a majority of them women and Hispanic, iron creases out of veiny penises, sew public hair into genitalia and add the flesh-toned finishing touches with precision paintbrushes.

There is a chemistry lab, a shipping department and a separate section for devices made from high-grade silicone, where butt plugs, powdered for softness, are stacked up alongside other anal devices, strokers and dildos.

Doc Johnson's bestsellers include masturbators modeled on porn legend Sasha Grey, the "Pocket Rocket" and the "Rabbit" vibrator, made popular by the hit television series "Sex and the City."

A sculptor who has been working with the company for 20 years spends two days to a week on each mold, taking inspiration from photographs, everyday objects and her own fervent imagination.

In an industry where 70 percent of global production is based in China, Doc Johnson is unique in that the vast majority of its 2,500 product lines are manufactured in North Hollywood.

The company has largely been left alone by legislators over the years, although its retail customers once faced a constant battle from local, state and federal authorities trying to shut them down.

"Today I think we've moved ahead in America as they have in many other countries and they've gotten to the point where they understand that this is a natural part of life," says Ron.