Louisville Plate Glass opens new production facility, adds 65 jobs
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 11, 2016) –Louisville Plate Glass, a century-old manufacturer of architectural window and building-panel glass, opened a $4 million production facility today in Newburg, a project expected to more than double the company’s employment to 104.
“Louisville Plate Glass has been a long-time corporate citizen in our advanced manufacturing sector, and with the addition of a new facility with state-of-the-art capabilities, I am confident that LPG has strategically aligned itself for great future success,” Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement congratulating the company. “With its roots in Louisville dating back to 1911, we are thrilled that LPG continues to expand and grow its workforce where it first began.”
During a ceremony today, U.S., state, local and company officials cut a ribbon on the 60,000-square-foot building at 4301 Chefs Way. The facility adds manufacturing space and, for the first time, a glass-tempering line, enabling production of heavy glass doors and fabricated shower enclosures. Previously, LPG purchased pre-tempered glass sheets to fabricate its high-strength products.
“Louisville Plate Glass set a great example for longstanding manufacturers by seeing and acting on the opportunity to expand and create 65 jobs,” Gov. Bevin said. “In addition to providing state-of-the art manufacturing space, this new facility increases both LPG’s capacity and product range. I applaud this kind of vision and look forward to the company’s continued success.”
Founded in 1911, LPG manufactures insulated glass, heavy laminated glass and spandrel, or opaque glass used to mask floor slabs and building mechanicals in glass-walled buildings. As well, it distributes building panels, flat glass and fire-related safety glass. Its customers include contractors and construction companies throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to open our new manufacturing plant today,” said LPG owner and President Bill Stone. “This new facility and the hires we’re making to staff it will help us even better serve and grow our customer base throughout the central U.S.”
Stone purchased LPG in 2009 from United Glass Corp., positioned it for a turnaround and began increasing sales and employment following the Great Recession. With the new location in the works, Stone sold LPG earlier this year to Florida-based Aldora Aluminum & Glass Products as a matter of succession planning. The Louisville facilities and products are keeping the LPG name.
“Today’s announcement is great news for our city and Louisville Plate Glass, a company that has been an important member of our business community for more than 100 years. Bill Stone should be commended for his dedication to his employees and our city’s economic health,” said Metro Council President David Yates. “We welcome Aldora and know they will soon find out what Bill Stone and others already know, Louisville is a great place to do business.”
During the company’s ribbon cutting event today, Metro Council President David Yates spoke on behalf of Mayor Fischer and the city, and Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner spoke on behalf of Gov. Bevin.
“The expansion of Louisville Plate Glass is another welcome addition to our growing regional economy. Not only has this company shaped the way our region looks, but also the business climate within it. We appreciate their continued presence in our community for the past 105 years and many more to come,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, Chief Operating Officer of Greater Louisville Inc.
For more information on LPG, visit www.louisvilleplateglass.com.
To read more about Louisville’s Advanced Manufacturing sector, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/
