Fenton Art Glass to Shutter
From Home Accents Today -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 8/14/2007 1:52:00 PM
Williamstown, WV — The Fenton Art Glass Co. announced late last week that it would cease its operations over the next few months. “This decision was difficult,” company President George W. Fenton said. “Since the announcement in June regarding our efforts toward financial restructuring, we took many steps to try to continue the company’s operations and the tradition of glassmaking. Ultimately, those efforts were not successful.
“After discussions with our largest creditor, we agreed on an orderly plan to wind down our business,” Fenton said. “We want to pay off as much of our debt as possible before we cease operations altogether, and this plan allows us to do that. We met with our employees today, and we expect to continue some level of glass production and glass decorating to fill orders for our products. Approximately 25 employees will be let go immediately, and there will be others in the coming weeks as we move toward closure.
“We want to thank those in the local community for their support,” Fenton said, “and we want to thank our larger customer community. Most of all, we want to thank all of the current and past employees of Fenton Art Glass who have been part of the Fenton tradition of glassmaking.”
Founded in 1905, Fenton Art Glass is known worldwide for its handmade colored art glass. Fenton Art Glass currently employs about 150 people.
