Fenton Glass to Stay Open!
Restructuring & Customer Support Keep Glass Factory Going
In August 2007, the future for the 102 year old art glass company looked bleak. Overwhelming support from customers and debt restructuring are keeping the factory open.
Fenton Stays Open
Thanks to a flood of orders from dealers, and restructuring of the business, reports of Fenton Glass Company’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. The firm announced late last week that it will be accepting orders for glass items for spring of 2008, with production of these orders scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. An outpouring of support from dealers and customers coupled with major restructuring are making it possible for the 102 year old art glass company to remain in business.
President George W. Fenton Speaks:
George W. Fenton, current President and grandson of the original founding Fentons said last week, that, “In the past two weeks, we’ve made important progress toward the financial restructuring of our company. There are several future hurdles, but we’re all hopeful that our company will be able to continue. Since our initial announcement last August, we have processed many orders for our 2007 products and received tremendous support from both collectors and dealers.”
Fenton Factory Downsizes
During peak years, Fenton had as many as 560 employees, which dropped to 400 in the 1990’s. The downsized, restructured Fenton Glass Company has about 120, and the company goal is to preserve all 120 jobs. Hopefully the restructuring plan will make this possible, according to Fenton
Success of Spring 2008 Line will Determine Fate of Fenton
The Spring 2008 Product Line consists of more than 90 pieces. The success of this line will help determine the fate of the ailing company., said Fenton, noting that, “The dealer and customer response to the Spring 2008 Product Line will help determine our future.”
Fenton Restructures
In addition to streamlining and downsizing operations, Fenton will be divided into two separate divisions, according to George W.: “Our company will have two divisions: Fenton USA will consist of glass made domestically, and Fenton International will consist of glass and non-glass products that are imported. Each brand will be clearly marked...” Fenton USA is the division that produces Fenton Art Glass, and will continue production out of the Williamstown, West Virginia Factory. Fenton International, which has been in existence for 18 month or so imports ceramics and assorted mass produced glass items.
In terms of the restructuring, President George W. Fenton added, “To complete the task of saving jobs at Fenton and serving our customers, we will need to reach agreements with our vendors and lenders,” gratefully adding, “We also appreciate the support and patience they have shown during this difficult time.”
Source: Antique Week December 10th 2007
