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The Historical Past Of The Libby Glass Company

The Libbey glass Company, one of the largest manufacturers the United States, has been in business since 1818. It was originally named the New England Glass Company and was located in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. During 1873, the company experienced a period of slumping sales due to the depression. William Libbey purchased the company in 1878 and it was renamed to the New England Glass Works.

Ten years after relocating to Toledo, Ohio, it was renamed again. This time it was given the name it still uses today. In 1882, Joseph Locke was hired to create new styles of glassware. He is the one that has been credited with the creation of beautiful styles such as Pomona, Amberina, Peach Bow, and Maize such as water pitchers.

Each of these styles was handmade and usually had expensive materials incorporated into them. One example of this is the way that Amberina goes from amber to a red color. This look was achieved by the addition of gold. Libby is also well known for making Brilliant Cut Glass. This product was made with lead, some pieces contain up to 60% lead in them.

In 1916, Michael Owens, an inventor, joined the company. He was the first to create a machine that was capable of producing bottles, chimneys, and tumblers automatically. Due to this invention, the company was able to cut the costs associated with manufacturing and employ fewer personnel, resulting in a higher profit margin. Although they were able to have fewer employees, this machine allowed them to produce their products in larger quantities.

During the twentieth century, Libby gained popularity. This was not only for being the first company that was able to make stemware that was machine made and heat-treated glassware that would be used in hotels and restaurants, but also for producing windshields. Cars were also becoming popular during this time. With this, Toledo was dubbed the world’s glass capital. As they saw an increase in profit and demand increased, they opened more production plants in both California, Louisiana and in the Netherlands.

During World War I in the 1920′s, Libby looked to manufacture products that were less labor intensive. During this period they created a new product known as Safedge Glassware. This item was mass produced for restaurants and hotels. In 1935, they merged with a larger company that was known worldwide as Owens-Illinois. The two companies worked together to do extensive research and to develop new products.

During World War II, the company spent time focusing on what life would be like after the war. During 1945, they began to introduce sets of glassware that are known today as sets of tumblers. These would become very popular in 1945.

During 1993, Libby glass became public which allowed them to participate in trade in the New York Stock Exchange. They have continued to grow and merge with other well known companies including Crisal, Crisa, Royal Leerdam, and Traex. Following the merger with Syracuse China in 1995, they became in international company. Today their product lines include bake, beverage, and serve ware along with home decor, food service utensils, tabletop products,water pitchers, and more.
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