Company reverses plant closure decision in response to improved market conditions
CLEVELAND, Ohio, June 27, 2026 – Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC, doing business as Vitro, has announced plans to continue the operation of its Crestline plant in Richland County. The project, approved for tax credit assistance during today’s Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting, focuses on improving operational efficiency while adding production capacity. The company will create 53 jobs while retaining 265 existing employees.
Globally, Vitro is a leading manufacturer of flat, architectural, automotive, and container glass. The Crestline plant is a part of the automotive glass division with facilities in seven other states. The products made at this location primarily service the OEM automakers.
Facing sharp headwinds in October of 2024, Vitro announced plans to close the Richland County plant by the end of 2026. The decision was made as part of corporate’s plan to reconfigure the company's manufacturing footprint to be more competitive and efficient in the market space.
Improved macroeconomic conditions combined with new business opportunities, caused company decision-makers to strategically look across its domestic manufacturing footprint to meet forecasted demand. As a legacy production facility, modernization of the Crestline plant was one of several options taken under consideration.
This investment represents an important step in strengthening Crestline's competitiveness and enhancing our ability to serve our customers with greater efficiency and operational excellence,” said Carlos Bernal, President of Vitro Automotive Glass. “We appreciate the collaboration and support of our state and local partners throughout this process, and we remain committed to continuously evaluating opportunities to improve our manufacturing network while creating value for our customers, employees, and the communities where we operate.
A project team including Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Council, JobsOhio, ODOD, and Team NEO worked closely with company executives to compel the company to move forward with investment at the Crestline plant versus the company’s other domestic manufacturing plants.
A year ago, our community was facing the potential loss of a major employer. Today, we are celebrating new investment, new jobs, and a renewed future for the Crestline facility,” said Jessica Gribben, President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. “This outcome reflects the persistence of Vitro’s leadership, the dedication of its workforce, and the power of partnership among local, regional, and state economic development organizations.
Northeast Ohio is home to more than 600 automotive component manufacturers, including Vitro, supplying OEMs with a full spectrum of motor vehicles parts, from drivetrain assemblies to noise dampening textiles to windshields,” said Matt Dolan, Team NEO CEO. “Along with our local partners, JobsOhio and ODOD, we welcome Vitro ’s continued commitment in Richland County where they have a long history of manufacturing excellence.
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About Vitro
Vitro is a leading glass manufacturing company in North America and one of the most important in the world. Founded in 1909 in Monterrey, Mexico, the company has operations around the globe. Vitro's companies produce, process, distribute, and market a wide range of glass items that are part of the daily lives of thousands of people. Vitro offers solutions to multiple markets such as automotive and architectural, as well as containers for cosmetics, fragrances, and spirits. For more information, visit www.vitro.com
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that retains, expands, and attracts jobs, businesses, and opportunities across Northeast Ohio’s 14-county region. As JobsOhio’s exclusive partner in Northeast Ohio, Team NEO connects businesses to the data, resources, sites, and incentives to win new business investment for Northeast Ohio. The organization also provides insights to build talent pipelines, prepares development-ready sites, and markets the region as a premier business destination. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.
