CRESTLINE — – Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC, doing business as Vitro, has announced plans to continue the operation of its Crestline plant in Richland County.
The project, approved for tax credit assistance during Monday’s Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting, focuses on improving operational efficiency while adding production capacity.
The company will create 53 jobs while retaining 265 existing employees. Globally, Vitro is a leading manufacturer of flat, architectural, automotive, and container glass.
The Crestline plant is a part of the automotive glass division with facilities in seven other states. The products made at this location primarily service the OEM automakers.
Facing sharp headwinds in October of 2024, Vitro announced plans to close the Richland County plant by the end of 2026. The decision was made as part of corporate’s plan to reconfigure the company’s manufacturing footprint to be more competitive and efficient in the market space.
Improved macroeconomic conditions combined with new business opportunities, caused company decision-makers to strategically look across its domestic manufacturing footprint to meet forecasted demand.
As a legacy production facility, modernization of the Crestline plant was one of several options taken under consideration.
“This investment represents an important step in strengthening Crestline’s competitiveness and enhancing our ability to serve our customers with greater efficiency and operational excellence,” said Carlos Bernal, President of Vitro Automotive Glass.
“We appreciate the collaboration and support of our state and local partners throughout this process, and we remain committed to continuously evaluating opportunities to improve our manufacturing network while creating value for our customers, employees, and the communities where we operate.”
A project team including Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Council, JobsOhio, ODOD, and Team NEO worked closely with company executives to compel the company to move forward with investment at the Crestline plant versus the company’s other domestic manufacturing plants.
“A year ago, our community was facing the potential loss of a major employer. Today, we are celebrating new investment, new jobs, and a renewed future for the Crestline facility,” said Jessica Gribben, President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
“This outcome reflects the persistence of Vitro’s leadership, the dedication of its workforce, and the power of partnership among local, regional, and state economic development organizations.”
“Northeast Ohio is home to more than 600 automotive component manufacturers, including Vitro, supplying OEMs with a full spectrum of motor vehicles parts, from drivetrain assemblies to noise dampening textiles to windshields,” said Matt Dolan, Team NEO CEO.
“Along with our local partners, JobsOhio and ODOD, we welcome Vitro ’s continued commitment in Richland County where they have a long history of manufacturing excellence.”
About Vitro
Vitro is a leading glass manufacturing company in North America and one of the most important in the world. Founded in 1909 in Monterrey, Mexico, the company has operations around the globe.
Vitro’s companies produce, process, distribute, and market a wide range of glass items that are part of the daily lives of thousands of people. Vitro offers solutions to multiple markets such as automotive and architectural, as well as containers for cosmetics, fragrances, and spirits.
For more information, visit www.vitro.com