Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America, a sustainable and infinitely recyclable glass packaging supplier, is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its Port Allegany glass manufacturing facility.
“Celebrating 130 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the generations of employees who have contributed their skill, dedication and passion to this production facility and the U.S. glass packaging industry,” Chris Thornton, Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America chief operations officer, said. “For more than a century, the Port Allegany team has produced glass packaging that consumers trust to protect the quality, freshness and integrity of the products they enjoy every day.”
The Port Allegany facility employs approximately 270 people and produces approximately 750,000 glass containers daily.
The facility was originally opened in 1896 by Olean Glass Co. Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Port Allegany facility was the first glass factory established in McKean County, and the only one still standing today.
In 2017 the Port Allegany facility became home to Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Development Machine, a device that can simulate nearly every manufacturing condition, creating glass bottles and jars in a variety of heights, weights and diameters.
The facility is holding a series of anniversary activities, including an event where current employees were recognized for their contributions to the plant’s success. Community members also toured the facility to learn about the glassmaking process.
During the anniversary celebration, state Rep. Martin Causer (R-Potter/Cameron/McKean) presented the facility with a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of its historic milestone.
Ardagh Glass Packaging is an operating business of Luxembourg-based Ardagh Group. Ardagh Glass Packaging operates 35 production facilities in North America, Europe and Africa and employs approximately 12,500 people and has recorded revenues of $4.1 billion in 2025.