AGC Flat Glass reduces work force in Tennessee plant

Officials at AGC Flat Glass North America,Alpharetta, Ga.,announced two steps to reduce overall production, according to a Feb. 9 company release: toshut down its Jerry Run float glass manufacturing facility in Bridgeport, W. Va., in response to a continuing downturn in the U.S. marketplace for flat glass, especially in the automotive sector; and atemporary workforce reduction at its Blue Ridge pattern glass plant in Kingsport Tenn. This reduction is primarily in response to a decline in export demand.

Beginning today, the company will cease glassmaking operations at its Jerry Run plant. Approximately 232 employees will be affected by the plant shutdown. The temporary workforce reduction at the Blue Ridge facility will affect an additional 100 employees, according to the release.

“Today’s volatile economic environment requires a new level of agility and flexibility for manufacturers, ” said Brad Kitterman, president and CEO. “As the business environment changes, we are constantly evaluating current market conditions, the capacity and cost structure of all our facilities, and the efficiency of our transportation and logistics systems. This enables us to make the strategic decisions that position AGC for future profitability and success—as well as continued leadership and innovation in the flat glass market.”

Read a report on the W. Va. plant closing.