Turning Loss into Opportunity at the Former Libbey Glass Plant

This December will mark five years since the Libbey Glass plant closed in Shreveport. It was one of the biggest business stories of the year in Shreveport. Of course we were in the middle of the pandemic and that crisis got most of the attention of local residents. But it was a sad day on December 31 when the legendary facility shut its doors for good.

Why Did the Libbey Plant Close?

At the end, the plant had 450 workers at Shreveport facility. Libbey Inc had been forced to reduce costs and align its manufacturing capability. Libbey is one of the world's largest glass tableware manufacturers.

KEEL News did get the official word that as we wrapped up 2020, the plant would close for good.

History of Libbey Glass in Northwest Louisiana

Libbey Glass had been in Shreveport since 1922. That's 98 years and it's sad to see it leave. The company held a store closing sale at the Factory Outlet store before closing the doors for good.

READ MORE: Take a Look Inside the Libbey Glass Plant

At the time of the bad news, Mike Bauer was Chief Executive Officer of Libbey and he said at the time:

Over the last few years, we have experienced declining demand in our core markets, which has contributed to overcapacity. This has been exacerbated by COVID-19. The recommendation to close our facility in Shreveport will better align our cost structure with current and expected customer demand as we position Libbey for the future.

What Is Happening with the Libbey Glass Property

State leaders approved money for the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) to purchase the plant to prepare the site for a possible new manufacturing operation. That is now a done deal and NLEP is actively marketing the site for a new tenant. The current plant is expected to be demolished to make room for a new venture at that massive site.

Get our free mobile app

What Are the Benefits of the Libbey Glass Site

The property has access to the Union Pacific rail spur, convenient location fronting I-20, and ample electrical power which makes it an attractive site for redevelopment.
NLEP has been actively marketing the property to potential manufacturers.