Fenton Art Glass says financial challenges and other recent developments have forced it to shut down production of its traditional glassmaking business.
For more than 100 years, the Williamstown-base…
Fenton Art Glass says financial challenges and other recent developments have forced it to shut down production of its traditional glassmaking business. For more than 100 years, the Williamstown-based company has been a name synonymous with decorative glass. The company cites financial challenges since its restructuring in 2007 and recent developments as factors in its decision to shut down its traditional glassmaking business. The market for our pressed and blown glassware has diminished, according to Fenton President George Fenton. We cannot sustain the overhead costs. Our employees have worked hard and efficiently, so this is a very sad day for us. Shortly, we will begin the process of shutting down our main furnace. Remaining employees will be finishing existing glassware from the company“s inventory that will be available through the Fenton Gift Shop as well as the company“s website and Fenton dealers across the country. About 30 people have already been laid off and between 35 and 40 people were called back from the last lay off to decorate and pack the last pieces. For the next two months, tourists can see employees decorating items and one part that will continue is the chance to see the beadmaking, but there will be no more factory or glassmaking tours. The gift shop in Williamstown and outlet store in Flatwoods remain open. The tent sale outside the gift shop will still begin 8 July and run through 7 August. There are discussions about specially decorated pieces and the final quantities of limited edition pieces being released. Fenton Art Glass Company“s factory has been a part of Williamstown since 1906.