Release 12/4
FENTON ART GLASS PLANS TO CONTINUE GLASS PRODUCTION
(Williamstown, W. Va.). The Fenton Art Glass Co. is now contacting about
900 dealer accounts and will accept orders from them for Fenton glass
items for Spring 2008. Production of these pieces is currently scheduled
to begin within the next few weeks.
"In the past two weeks, we've made important progress toward the financial
restructuring of our company," Fenton Art Glass President George W. Fenton
said. "There are several future hurdles, but we're all hopeful that our
company will be able to continue. Since our initial announcement last
August, we have processed many orders for our 2007 products and received
tremendous support from both collectors and dealers. People from all over
the country have visited the Fenton Gift Shop in recent months, and we're
seeing many local friends, too. We wish to thank our dealers, collectors
and neighbors for this surge in orders because these orders have been
essential in giving us a chance to continue."
"We currently have about 120 employees, and we want to preserve those
jobs," Fenton continued. "The dealer and customer response to the upcoming
Spring 2008 product offering will help determine our future. Our company
will be smaller than it was, and we will be making and selling fewer items
to a smaller group of dealers. Our company will have two divisions: Fenton
USA will consist of glass made domestically and Fenton International will
consist of glass and non-glass products that are imported. Each brand will
be clearly marked."
To complete the task of saving jobs at Fenton and serving our customers,
we will need to reach an agreement with our vendors and lenders. We also
appreciate the support and patience they have shown during this difficult
time.
Formed in 1905, the Fenton Art Glass Co. has been producing handmade
colored art glass in Williamstown, W. Va., since January 2, 1907.
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