Glassware has always been one of the most popular categories of kitchen utensils. The versatility of the material, which can take almost any shape, has ensured this demand. Nowadays, there are hundreds of articles of glassware that meet a variety of style and gastronomic requirements. For example, the numerous characteristics that determine the type and functionality of glassware include its completeness (piece, complete), size, shape (for example, glasses for red or white wine), glass thickness, and purpose (household, kitchen, or decorative).
Glass can be considered one of the oldest materials that began to be used for their needs by the average person. It is believed that glass first appeared in ancient Egypt almost 5 thousand years ago. Its characteristic properties can be considered hardness and density, as well as low thermal conductivity – this means that heated glass will retain heat for a long time. At first, glass products were produced in the usual way by blowing, but nowadays the technology of producing the material has improved.
Today there are thousands of brands on the market producing all kinds of glass products. But we want to talk about the legendary companies, the main American mastodons of the glass industry.
Indiana Glass Company
The logo of one of the most famous glass item producers from the United States, the Indiana Glass Company, is a simple yet elegant lettering in black, set on a plain white background with a delicate tagline, pointing at the location of the firm. The main wordmark is written in a bold serif typeface, which looks truly timeless and fine. The graphical elements are not needed in this insignia, as the products of the company speak for themselves.
Indiana Glass Company was one of the iconic American glass manufacturers. Today the objects, created under this brand are very much appreciated by collectors. The company was established in 1907 in Dunkirk, Indiana. It was founded in the factory of the bankrupt National Glass Company, bought out by the enterprising Frank Merry. The brand is known mostly for its tableware, but during the Depression, Indiana Glass Company started producing automobile lenses. Later, after its acquisition by Lancaster Colony Corporation in 1957, Indiana Glass switched its focus a bit and already in the 1970s has become the leading manufacturer of Contemporary Carnival Glass in North America.
Blenko Glass
Blenko Glass is glass produced with a very recognizable sassy and modern style. The brand uses interesting shapes and bright colors for its glass items, and the logo, representing it, also looks very unique and cool. However, it is just black lettering on a white background. But the lettering is set in the uppercase of a custom extra-heavy sans-serif typeface with uncommon shapes of the characters, which makes the company stand out from the list of its competitors.
Blenko is a legendary American manufacturer of hand-blown glass. It was established in 1921 in Milton, West Virginia, and named after its founder, William J. Blenko, who was born in England and immigrated to the United States in 1893. His first business in glass-making was opened in Indiana, shortly after he arrived at his new location. As for Blenko Glass as we know it today, it was opened in West Virginia; at the beginning of the 20th century, a lot of natural gas was found there; hence, the prices for it were low in the region, and it meant a lot for the glassblowing industry. Blenko is still operating and is known for its unusual and bright creations. Also, the company produces architectural glass and glass for windows.
Jeanette Glass
Jeanette Glass is one of the historical American producers of glass items, which has (by today) changed its name to the Spruce Crafts, hence the logo of the company features its last brand name. It is set in the lowercase of a fancy serif font for the black “Spruce” and the clean geometric sans-serif for the turquoise uppercase “Crafts”. The whole insignia is accompanied by a small lightweight “The”, set in the lowercase of a serif font in the upper left corner of the composition.
Founded as a plant for producing bottles in 1898, Jeannette Glass turned into one of the most popular and significant manufacturers of Late Carnival Glass in the world. Carnival glass or inexpensive glassware with a shimmering luster has attracted collectors for many years. Its attractive multi-colored shimmer, often resembling oil on water, seems to change colors when viewed from different angles. Over the years it has been called “Taffeta,” “Cinderella,” and “Tiffany for the poor,” as it allowed the average housewife to decorate her home with fancy vases and decorative bowls. In all, there are about 2,000 different carnival glass drawings. And many of Jeannette’s designs are prized among collectors today.
Fenton Glass
The Fenton Glass visual identity is super elegant and fine. The logo, executed in a black and white color palette features a combination of a sophisticated monogram as an emblem and a modern laconic wordmark with quite a thick horizontal line under it and a delicate cursive lettering at the very bottom of a composition. The balance of the lines’ thicknesses and the location of all elements put proper accents and emphasize the main parts of the logo.
Fenton Art Glass began as a glass decorating company in 1905 when it was painted on simple blanks from other glassware manufacturers. As demand for the company’s designs increased, Fenton began producing its lines of glassware in 1907 after moving from Ohio to Williamstown, West Virginia. In the early years, Fenton found inspiration in the designs of glass artisans Tiffany and Steuben. Through experimentation, Fenton invented what is today called Carnival Glass.
As the largest producer of hand-colored glass in the country, the Fenton factory was a hub for tourism in the West Virginia area. Offering tours of the facility, an annual tent sale, and a museum filled with beautiful glass objects. After several years of financial difficulties, this family-owned company officially closed its doors in 2011. Many of the Fenton items made since 1973 are collectible.
Kokomo Glass
The logo of the Kokomo Glass company is very confident and distinctive. The badge boasts a strict and laconic combination of a dark blue emblem, composed of three capital letters, “KOG”, with the last two characters overlapping, and a three-leveled lettering on the right from it, “Kokomo Opalescent Glass” in a lightweight modern sans-serif. The two parts of the logo are aerated by a thin vertical line, which adds geometry and style to the badge.
Kokomo Glass is one of the oldest glass manufacturers in the United States. One of Kokomo’s customers was Lewis Tiffany himself. The company produces glass that is unsurpassed in colorful brilliance. Many colors are possible with different surface textures. For over 122 years, Kokomo Opalescent Glass has been producing world-renowned art sheet glass. Hand-kneading sheet glass is a kind of art form. Many second and third-generation employees proudly carry on the rich heritage of America’s Oldest Art Glass Company.
Libbey
Being one of the most famous glass manufacturers in the USA, Libbey also has one of the super recognizable logos. It is a black-and-white composition with the delicate and stylish emblem placed on the left from the medium-weight uppercase wordmark in the uppercase of a laconic geometric sans-serif typeface. The emblem features a solid black roundel with a sophisticated cursive white “L” written on it. The “L” boasts smooth lines, narrow loops, and curved ends of the bars.
At the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Libby Glass Company of Toledo, Ohio (formerly NEGS of Cambridge, Massachusetts) set up an impressive workshop on the fairgrounds where Adolf Kretschmann demonstrated the art of faceting. Libby not only presented the expected tableware but also a carved glass lamp 83.8 centimeters high. Subsequently, the company surpassed this achievement with a 146 cm high lamp and a large table on one central column at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair (now in the Toledo Museum of Art). Libbey (USA) has been working in the food glass market for almost 200 years and today it is one of the most famous and largest manufacturers of glassware in the world.
Corning
The Corning visual identity is simple and modest, however, it represents the stability and professionalism of the company. The badge features just one element — the uppercase lettering, set in a modern and distinctive serif typeface with sharp elements on the ends of the medium-weight bars. The inscription is written in a bright shade of blue, which makes up a great contrast with a white background, creating an eye-catching image.
The American company Corning Incorporated specializes in the production of specialty glass, ceramic, and ceramic-related materials, and develops innovative technologies in the field of advanced optics used in industry and research. Corning Glass Works was founded by Amory Houghton in 1851. The company, then called Bay State Glass Co, was founded in Somerville, Massachusetts. A little later the company was renamed Brooklyn Flint Glass Works, and the headquarters was moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. In 1868, the founder’s son, Amory Houghton, Jr., took over management and moved the company to Corning, NY.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For more than 169 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that facilitate many industrial processes and improve people’s quality of life.
Northwood Glass Company
A super sleek minimalistic style was chosen for the visual identity of the Northwood Glass Company. The logo of the manufacturer depicts a bold uppercase “N” in a softened sand-serif typeface, accompanied by a short horizontal line of the same thickness as the character’s bars, and enclosed into a circular frame, which also has the same thickness. The whole badge is very well-balanced and represents the company as a progressive and design-oriented one.
Harry Northwood, who founded the company, was the son of John Northwood, a well-known manufacturer of English cameo glass. The original Northwood Glass Company was founded in 1887 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and moved to Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. However, the company did not succeed at this location. In 1895, he opened the New Northwood Glass Company in a factory formerly owned by Indiana Glass in Indiana, Pennsylvania. This factory joined the National Glass Conglomerate in 1899.
In 1902, Harry opened the Harry Northwood and Company factory in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was here that he developed his unique formula for carnival glass. Harry Northwood died in 1919. The company continued to manufacture glass but was closed in 1925.
Heisey Glass
Heisey Glass is one of the companies, which prefer traditional design elements in their visual identity. The logo of the glass manufacturer is composed of a black rhomboid crest with the narrowed white “H” on it, enclosed into a lightweight double circular frame with the full name of the brand written around its perimeter. The date of the company’s foundation is written on the sides of the rhombus, making up a complete image, which reflects the heritage and legacy of Heisey Glass.
August H. Heisey was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1842 and emigrated to America with his family in 1843. In 1861, he began his career in the glass industry, taking a job as a clerk with the King Glass Company in Pittsburgh. He soon joined the Ripley Glass Company as a salesman. It was here that he earned a reputation as “the best glass salesman on the road.”
In 1893, Heisey began formulating plans for his own glass company. Thus in 1896, the Heisey factory was opened. The demand for fine glassware was great, and Heisey sold it all over the world.
Production in the early years was limited to stamped glassware, much of which was of such high quality and clear design that it appeared to be faceted. A lot of bar and hotel ware was also made. In the late 1890s, Heisey revived the colonial patterns with cannelures, festoons, and panels that had been so popular at the turn of the century. They were so well received that at least one colonial line was produced continuously from then on until the factory closed.
Imperial Glass
The visual identity of the Imperial Glass company has a strong heraldic spirit in it. The logo of the company is based on a bright blue and white color palette, representing the confidence and professionalism of the manufacturer. The main element here is a geometric cross with flared bars and straight cuts. The “Imperial” wordmark is split into four syllables, each of which is placed in one of the corners, formed by the cross. The whole composition is enclosed into a thick square frame in the same shade of blue.
Imperial Glass Corporation of Bellaire, Ohio, bought existing molds from Heisey in 1958. They used only a small portion of it, mostly models made to fulfill existing orders when Heisey closed. Until January 1, 1968, some of this glass was still being produced with the Heisey brand, but at that time Imperial announced that they would no longer use it. Imperial Glass ceased operations in 1984 and all of its assets were sold by liquidation in 1985. The American Heisey Collectors organization was fortunate enough to acquire most of the existing Heisey molds formerly owned by Imperial.
Root Glass Company
Another old-school design concept can be found in the visual identity of the Root Glass Company. It is a black-and-white logo in a delicate rectangular frame, with lots of lettering inside, and a bold graphical emblem, composed of a horizontally-stretched rhombus, overlapping a thick black circle, where the uppercase “Root Bottles” lettering is written in white around it. The main text on the badge is executed in a bold and slightly narrowed serif typeface, transmitting the heritage of the company and its huge experience.
And the products of this company are known to people absolutely far from collecting. The fact is that the author of the iconic Coca-Cola bottle is an employee of the Root Glass Company, a glassblower of Swedish origin Alexander Samuelson (1862-1934). In 1913, Alexander Samuelson created a prototype of the contoured bottle. The first version was unstable and had to be finalized. The bottle went into production in 1915. In 1977, the contour bottle was registered as one of the trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company along with ‘Coca-Cola’ and ‘Coke’ (registered in 1945).
Conclusion
In the illuminating world of glass company brands, the fusion of artistry and functionality has never been more pronounced. As we reflect on the contributions these brands make to our daily lives, from the architectural marvels that dot our skylines to the intricate details of our home interiors, the importance of choosing the right solution becomes evident. Whether it’s for installation in a retail space or the creation of custom glass shower enclosures for a residential oasis, the expertise of skilled fabricators and the precision of state-of-the-art equipment ensure that every project shines with excellence.
Key Aspects of Glass Company Brands:
- Innovation and New Products: Leading the charge with innovation, these brands regularly introduce new products that challenge the conventional boundaries of glass use, from auto glass repairs to the polishing of flat glass, each innovation serves a distinct need while pushing the envelope of what’s possible.
- Custom Solutions for Diverse Needs: The ability to offer custom glass solutions, whether for shower doors, custom mirrors, or even unique shower enclosures, demonstrates the versatile capabilities of glass fabricators. This custom approach caters to both the aesthetic and functional requirements of architects, general contractors, and homeowners alike.
- Sustainability at the Forefront: With an increasing focus on sustainability, glass brands are integrating practices that not only reduce their environmental impact but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development. From the use of recycled materials in new products to energy-efficient processes in their furnace operations, these brands are setting new standards for environmental stewardship.
- The Role of Technology and Automation: Automation and the utilization of state-of-the-art equipment facilitate not just efficiency but also the creation of quality products at competitive prices. This technological advancement extends from the manufacturing floor to the glazing and installation processes, ensuring precision and excellence across all phases.
- Partnerships with Professionals: The collaboration with architects, professionals, and general contractors is crucial in bringing visions to life. These partnerships ensure that every project, be it commercial projects or personal spaces, benefits from the collective expertise and shared commitment to quality.
“Innovation is the calling card of the future”, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the glass industry. The dedication to crafting solutions that meet the evolving needs of society—be it through advanced glazing techniques or the development of eco-friendly glass options—highlights the role of glass company brands in shaping our built environment.
As we look towards the next project, it’s essential to recognize the myriad ways in which these brands contribute to our world. From the comfort of shower enclosures that transform a bathroom into a sanctuary, to the safety provided by a meticulously installed windshield, the impact is both profound and pervasive.
For those contemplating their next venture, whether it’s a foray into commercial projects or a personal endeavor, remember the value of a free estimate from trusted professionals. It’s not just about the competitive prices or the quality products; it’s about ensuring that every detail, from the initial consultation to the final installation, is handled with the utmost care and precision.
In closing, as we continue to marvel at the ingenuity of glass fabricators and their ability to not only meet but exceed our expectations, let us not forget the importance of choosing brands that align with our values—those that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and the relentless pursuit of the right solution. Let the glazing of our futures be as bright and clear as the glass that inspires us daily.
Which glass company is considered the best?
The title of the best glass company often varies by region and specific needs, but companies like Corning are renowned globally for their innovations in glass technology, particularly for their Gorilla Glass used in smartphones and tablets.
Who is the largest glass manufacturer?
As of recent years, Saint-Gobain is among the largest glass manufacturers in the world, known for their wide range of glass products for the construction, automotive, and other industrial sectors.
Who makes the best glass in the world?
This is subjective and depends on the application; however, companies like Corning, AGC (Asahi Glass Co.), and Saint-Gobain are often cited for their high-quality glass products in various industries, from technology to construction.
How much should glass cost?
The cost of glass can vary widely depending on its type, quality, and purpose. For basic window glass, prices might be relatively low, but specialized glass for technology or automotive applications can be significantly more expensive. Pricing is influenced by factors such as thickness, treatment, and whether it’s tempered or laminated.
