The History of Libbey Glass

The Libbey Glass Company is one of the largest glass manufacturers in the US. It began in 1818 in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the New England Glass Company. In 1878 William L. Libbey bought the company and renamed it the New England Glass Works, Wm. L. Libbey & Sons Props. Ten years later, with increasing competition, it was moved to Toledo, Ohio. It was felt that Ohio would be an ideal location for increased profitability due to large natural gas resources and deposits of high quality sand. Logistic-wise, Ohio boasted an excellent network of railroad and steamship lines, allowing US and international shipping. In 1892, the company was renamed again to become The Libbey Glass Company.

Spearheading Glass Innovation

Joseph Locke, an English designer, joined the company in 1882. He patented several unique types of glass including Amberina, Peach Blow, Maize and Pomona. These were handmade and incorporated expensive materials. The Amberina glass with its amber to red color came from gold. Brilliant Cut glass (of which Libbey became the leading producer) used a great deal of lead, some experts claiming up to 60 percent.

Mass Production Begins

The Libbey Glass Company became most well known for its cut glass, but does also produce window glass, containers and bottles. Michael Owens, an inventor, joined the company in 1916. He created a machine that could automatically produce bottles, tumblers and glass chimneys. This resulted in much higher profitability since personnel and manufacturing costs could be cut, while product could be turned out in greater quantities. Libbey is credited with the world's first machine-made stemware and heat-treated process for glassware used commercially in hotels and restaurants.

Twentieth Century Progress

As the automobile was becoming popular in the early twentieth century, Libbey Glass began to mass produce windshields. Toledo soon became known as the "the glass capital of the world". Libbey soon expanded to have plants in the Netherlands, California and Louisiana.

Constant Product Innovation

In the 1920s, Brilliant Cut glass popularity was low due to shortages caused by WWI. Libbey began to focus on less labor intensive products such as, "Safedge Glassware", which was mass produced to restaurants and hotels. In 1935, Libbey Glass became part of Owens-Illinois, one of the largest glass manufactures in the world. Libbey continued to expand and develop products with the help of Owens-Illinois research and development. In 1993, Libbey Glass became a public company.

Current Undertakings

In recent years, Libbey Glass has acquired multiple companies that produce tabletop products, food-service utensils and consumer products. Companies such as Crisal, Royal Leerdam, Crisa and Traex, are now part of the Libbey portfolio. The company now manufactures home décor, bakeware, serveware, pantryware and beverageware.