May 25, 2025

Shreveport Reveals Future Manufacturing Plans for Libbey Glass Plant

News Summary

The North Louisiana Economic Partnership has announced plans to repurpose the former Libbey Glass Plant in Shreveport for future manufacturing opportunities. The initiative aims to attract investors to the site, which lost 450 jobs when it closed in December 2020. With its substantial infrastructure and a certified site designation, there is growing interest from various sectors, including renewable energy and technology. This strategic transition marks a potential revitalization for Shreveport’s economy as it seeks to fill the void left by the plant’s closure.

Shreveport Announces Plans for Future Manufacturing at Former Libbey Glass Plant

The North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) has revealed plans to reposition the former Libbey Glass Plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, for future manufacturing opportunities. The initiative seeks to utilize state funds for this purpose, aiming to transform the site, which closed in December 2020 due to declining demand aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Libbey Glass Plant’s closure resulted in the loss of around 450 jobs, a significant reduction from its peak employment figure of over 1,500 workers. The facility spans 851,672 square feet and includes several buildings alongside a vast warehouse that was constructed in 1977. The plant features three furnaces, known for their capacity to produce glass, and logistical assets such as 17 loading docks and 800 parking spaces. Additionally, the site is equipped with a Union Pacific rail spur, maximizing shipping efficiency for potential future operations.

Remnants of the former glass production process are still found throughout the facility; broken glass, or cullett, is scattered in areas, and the layout reveals a maze of pipes formerly utilized for glass manufacturing. Some products created at the plant, including wine glasses and tableware, remain on-site, awaiting auction. The main furnace area features Furnace A, identified as “the workhorse” of the operation.

The NLEP is marketing the property as a certified site by Louisiana Economic Development, a designation that indicates it is ready for development. This certification could attract different investors interested in manufacturing ventures. Realtor Chris Stokes, who holds the listing for the facility priced at $8 million, has noted significant interest from various sectors, including potential investors focused on solar panel production and bitcoin mining operations.

Stokes highlights the plant’s infrastructure, which has been cleaned and is now posed with no environmental issues, as a critical selling point for new enterprises. The facility’s operational resources are still intact, with adequate natural gas, electricity, and water supply available to support future business endeavors.

The Libbey Glass Plant holds historical significance for the Shreveport region, having been a key industrial site since its inception. Parts of the facility date back to the early 1900s, reflecting a long legacy of manufacturing in the area. The recent closure has stimulated conversations about economic transitions for Shreveport, emphasizing the need for diversifying employment and attracting new businesses to fill the void left by the plant’s operations.

Justyn Dixon, the Executive Director of NLEP, recognizes the potential this site holds for revitalizing the local economy. The ongoing marketing efforts underline the plant’s capacity to house a variety of manufacturing uses while also addressing the economic shift the community is facing after losing one of its largest employers. There is optimism surrounding the possibility of attracting innovative businesses to this historical site, signaling a hopeful future for manufacturing in Shreveport.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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