One of the more iconic business institutions in West Virginia is closing its doors.
After 102 years in business, Fenton Art Glass has announced plans to close over the next several months. Twenty-five employees, of 150 on staff, will lose their jobs immediately. The gift shop, owned by another company, will remain open.
Fenton had been one of the largest of the state’s glass companies having been in operation for 102 years. Gov. Joe Manchin blamed global economic conditions for Fenton’s closure.
Blenko Glass, in Milton, W.Va., is the last remaining company in a state that once had more than 500 factories. This week Milton is honoring Bill Blenko with his own day in conjunction with a glass convention.
