Pittsburgh Glass Works to cut plants, trim workforce

With the anticipated decline of North American automotive vehicle builds in 2009, the Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) on December 1 announced that it is realigning its manufacturing footprint and making reductions in its salaried workforce. As part of the initiative, the company said that it will cease production at its Oshawa, Ontario, Canada glass fabrication facility in the first quarter 2009. Additionally, the company will reduce its salaried workforce by more than 150 people in response to lower demand anticipated in 2009. The company further announced that two satellite assembly plants in Newark, Del., and Cambridge, Ontario, will be closed later in 2009.

“This realignment will enable us to adapt to the changing demands of the industry,” said Jim Wiggins, PGW president and chief executive officer. “The changes are part of PGW’s transformation of its manufacturing footprint and will help to improve our focus on our remaining facilities.”

Wiggins added that an additional two plant shutdowns would be needed and expects these closures to be announced once the analysis is completed, in early January. The closures will strengthen PGW’s ability to load underutilized facilities and align capacity to meet the market demand. PGW will invest in remaining facilities to enhance its ability to serve its diverse customer base. In addition, we’ve identified several opportunities to improve efficiency at our glass fabrications plants and throughout our replacement glass distribution system.”

Pittsburgh Glass Works supplies automotive OEM windshields, rear and side windows, sunroofs and assemblies for auto and truck manufacturers, and it supplies and distributes replacement automotive glass products for use in the aftermarket. It also provides insurance claims services through its LYNX Services subsidiary, glass management software and internet marketing services through its GTS subsidiary, and e-business solutions through its GLAXIS offering.

Automotive glass products are manufactured and fabricated in nine North American plants located in Berea, Ky.; Creighton, Meadville and Tipton, Pa.; Crestline Ohio; Evansville, Ind.; Evart, Mich.; Hawkesbury, Ontario, and a joint venture facility in Tepeji del Rio, Mexico. In addition, seven satellite parts assembly plants are located throughout North America and Europe, and two LYNX Services claims management call centers in Ft. Myers, Fla., and Paducah, Ky. Combined, the businesses employ approximately 4,100 people.