Pennsylvania glass plant closure sparks outrage | Manufacturing Dive

Sen. Bob Casey and Anchor Hocking workers protested the company’s decision that will cause over 300 layoffs in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

Charleroi workers represented by the United Steelworkers Local 53G union have protested the closure and held a rally in a bid to save jobs, according to a Sept. 20 video from ABC4 WTAE.

In the letter, Casey expressed his dismay and confusion about the decision.

“Your sudden announcement to close the plant will upend the lives of Pennsylvania workers who have contributed to your company's success,” the senator wrote.

Casey called out the lack of clarity around Anchor Hocking’s recent acquisition of the Charleroi plant. In June 2023, Instant Brands, which owned consumer brands like Pyrex and Corelle, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In February 2024, after Centre Lane Partners, a private equity firm that also owns Anchor Hocking, acquired Instant Brands’ housewares division, including Pyrex, emerged from bankruptcy under the new name Corelle Brands. Anchor Hocking then took over Pyrex's Charleroi plant a month later.

“Please explain the events that led to and the process by which Anchor Hocking came to operate and ultimately decide to close the Charleroi Pyrex plant, including a specific timeline and any regulatory approvals that were necessary before assuming control of the plant,” the senator asked in his letter. “Additionally, please clarify the ownership structure of the Charleroi Pyrex plant and its workforce.”

The USW union issued a demand to bargain and “would welcome the chance to work for [a] different owner,” Casey’s letter also stated.

On Sept. 20, Casey wrote a follow-up letter calling for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the chain of events that led to the closure. A week later, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman also drafted a letter calling for similar action.

“I urge you to scrutinize, investigate, and review the bankruptcy proceedings and apparent ownership transactions that preceded this decision to determine if any laws were broken by Anchor Hocking or its private equity partners and, if so, to hold these wrongdoers fully accountable,” Fetterman said.