Fenton Art Glass Company Will Cease Production

Fenton Art Glass Company Will Cease Production, and how sad this is! Hello again everyone! I am back with some news I received from one of the sites I belong to - Iantique.com  A blog post had been done there by a member named Tom Norskov, and I have copied his blog post from there, and brought here for all to read about this breaking news of Fenton Art Glass Company. 

Fenton Art Glass Company to cease production!

Posted by Tom Norskov Wed at 1:44 PM - Filed in Industry News - #  #fenton glass  - 25 views

Here is the complete press release that went out to media, Fenton clubs, etc. earlier today:

FENTON ART GLASS TO CEASE TRADITIONAL GLASS PRODUCTION
AND SHIFT PRODUCT FOCUS

(Williamstown, W. Va., July 6, 2011). The Fenton Art Glass Company announced today that it would wind down production of its collectible and giftware glass products. The company has faced financial challenges since its restructuring in 2007, and recent developments combined to force the shutdown of its traditional glassmaking business.
"The market for our pressed and blown glassware has diminished," company President George Fenton said. "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 web site and Fenton dealers across the country."
As a part of winding down the traditional business, Fenton Art Glass is exploring the sales of one or more product lines.
"We know that our many customers and friends will have questions," Fenton said. "Our web site www.fentonartglass.com will be updated regularly beginning the week of July 11."
Inquiries regarding sales of equipment and other assets should be directed to Fenton Art Glass at assetinfo@fentonartglass.comManagement at the Fenton Gift Shop is evaluating the impact of the termination of traditional glassmaking at Fenton Art Glass. "The Fenton Gift Shop is in discussions with Fenton Art Glass, the glass manufacturing company, to provide customers with a wide range of samples and special decorations as well as final quantities of limited edition pieces," said Randall Fenton, President of the Fenton Gift Shop. "The annual Tent Sale in Williamstown starts July 8, and the Fenton Gift Shop and the outlet store in Flatwoods, West Virginia, remain open."
Founded as a decorating company in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in May 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Co. constructed its factory in Williamstown during the fall of 1906. The first glass pieces were made there on January 2, 1907. During its 106-year history, Fenton introduced the first iridescent ware (now known as "Carnival glass") as well as classic patterns such as Hobnail and a wide variety of handmade colored art glass as limited editions.

This is a really sad time as I so love Fenton Glass, their pieces created, the craftmanship, and just everything about them. Just so sad:(

*  *  Sat. July 9, 2011 UPDATE  *  *

Here is some additional information that was shared by Tom Norskov from The Vintage Village Social Network I copied to here:

* * Some additional information: Fenton Art Glass Co announced on July 6th that they will no longer be producing their giftware line. Some glass has been produced and their Halloween/Christmas line will ship to dealers by August 15. There are going to be some items not produced, but it is not known what items yet. The Fenton QVC shows scheduled for July 14 and July 16 will go on as scheduled. 

* * Just some additional update information:  This week Fenton announced some massive changes for the company in Williamstown, WV. After many years of adapting to the marketplace and exerting countless hours of dedicated hard work, they unfortunately have not been able to find a profitable way to continue manufacturing thier traditional glass lines. So what does all this mean for the Fenton Company? Is the company going out of business?  The company is still in business, continuing to make beads and pursuing some industrial glassmaking projects.