Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (AGP-North America), an operating business of Ardagh Group, is proud to celebrate the 130th anniversary of its Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, glass manufacturing facility, recognising their long history of craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to the local community.
Originally built in 1896 by Olean Glass Co., Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Port Allegany facility holds a unique place in the region’s history as the first glass factory established in McKean County – and the only one still standing today. Since that time, the facility has continued to evolve while maintaining its legacy of manufacturing high-quality glass packaging for the beer, beverage, food, spirits and wine markets, amongst other products.
Today, the facility employs approximately 270 salaried and union-represented hourly employees and serves as an important part of Ardagh’s U.S. glass manufacturing network, producing approximately 750,000 glass containers each day.
“We recognise that our people are our greatest asset,” said Chris Thornton, Chief Operations Officer for AGP-North America. “Celebrating 130 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the generations of employees who have contributed their skill, dedication and passion to this production facility and the U.S. glass packaging industry.
“For more than a century, the Port Allegany team has produced glass packaging that consumers trust to protect the quality, freshness and integrity of the products they enjoy every day. We are proud to celebrate that legacy and the Port Allegany employees that manufacture bottles and jars for our customers’ brands and are actively engaged with their local community.”
The facility has evolved with advancements in technology, continuously improving efficiency while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards. In 2017, the Port Allegany facility became home to Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Development Machine that helps brand owners accelerate new product introductions into the market.
The Development Machine can simulate nearly every manufacturing condition, creating glass bottles and jars in a variety of heights, weights and diameters while incorporating the latest packaging design trends, including distinctive shapes, textures and embossing.