Sale of Corelle plant blocked by FTC

The agency said the proposed purchase by a German firm doesn’t meet its criteria.

By the MVI

An impending sale of the Corelle plant in Charleroi to German glassmaker Sediver has been terminated, according to our news partners at WTAE.

The proposed sale reportedly doesn’t meet criteria established by the Federal Trade Commission because Corelle Brands makes consumer glass products while Sediver is a commercial manufacturer.

Rumors emerged in July that another company was interested in purchasing the plant and resuming production. The company was reportedly willing to invest more than $25 million to renovate the facility and bring back 250 jobs.

Environmental testing was being conducted so the transaction could be finalized.

WTAE obtained a copy of a memo from Anchor Hocking, which owns Corelle Brands. It states that the proposed sale doesn’t alleviate the FTC’s concerns.

It also says that Anchor Hocking “is the subject of an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission relating to its acquisition of certain former Corelle Brands assets, including the facility in Charleroi.”

Corelle officials notified workers last September that the plant would be closing soon and operations would be moved to Lancaster, Ohio.

Layoffs were planned to start before Christmas, but they were delayed into 2025. The final day for employees was April 10.

In an interview with WTAE, state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, expressed her disappointment with the latest development.

“My one and only goal is to try to save this glass plant somehow, some way, in this tiny little town that just had the life kicked out of it in too many ways in the last couple of years,” Bartolotta said. “… I’m hoping that the FTC understands there’s more involved here, there’s much more at risk here in this tiny little town.”

The Corelle plant operated in Charleroi for 132 years, making a variety of products, including Pyrex, the iconic heat- and shatter-resistant glassware that has been a staple in American kitchens for generations.

Charleroi Councilman Larry Celaschi, who has been part of the effort to find a buyer for the plant, was also disappointed by Thursday’s news, but he indicated that work will continue to resume operations.

“I remain hopeful and confident that this journey isn’t over,” Celaschi posted on Facebook. “Let’s continue to pray and keep faith that a positive outcome will come forward for our Charleroi plant. I truly believe that someone will recognize the value this facility holds and the opportunities it can still bring with good jobs for those ready and willing to work.”