NJ's Last Glass Manufacturer Will Close This Fall

Ardagh Glass in Salem will close this fall, ending 290 jobs and the glass manufacturing industry in Salem City. 

Ardagh, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, is the oldest glass manufacturing plant still operating in the US. 

When the plant was owned by Anchor, it was saved from closing by city, county, and state officials offering incentives. Officials fear the loss of jobs and the detriment to the local economy. 

"It's unfortunate," said Salem County Freeholder Deputy Director Dale Cross. "We are going to have to see if there is anything we can do to change their minds."

But Ardagh has promised to fulfill commitments to its workers by providing extensions to health care benefits, career counseling, placement support, and severance payments. 

"We will be working with local organizations and other company locations to help identify potential job opportunities," Richard Poynter, Ardagh's Senior Vice President for Human Resources told the South Jersey Times.

"The company will also fully honor all of its commitments under the collective bargaining agreements, and to our employees, customers and suppliers."