News Summary
The former Libbey Glass Plant in Shreveport, which closed in 2020, is being repositioned for new manufacturing opportunities. The plant’s closure affected 450 employees and marked a significant economic impact. The North Louisiana Economic Partnership is actively marketing the site as a manufacturing-friendly location, aiming to attract new buyers and revive the local economy. The property is listed for $8 million and boasts substantial manufacturing infrastructure, presenting potential for various new industries.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The former Libbey Glass Plant, which closed its doors in December 2020 after 125 years of operation, is set to be repositioned for new manufacturing opportunities. The plant’s closure impacted 450 employees and marked a significant loss for the local economy as one of Shreveport’s largest employers ceased operations due to decreasing demand exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plant, operated by Libbey Inc., had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in 2020, leading to its eventual closure. The facility is located on a 54-acre site at 4302 Jewella Ave., strategically situated near Interstate 20, making it accessible for transportation and logistics. The property is currently listed for $8 million by realtor Chris Stokes of Walker-Alley & Associates.
In an effort to revive the site, the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is utilizing state funds to market the property as a manufacturing-friendly location. This initiative aims to attract potential buyers and investors looking for opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The former plant is equipped with three furnaces, a batch house, an administrative office, and a warehouse spanning 170,000 square feet, in addition to numerous buildings housing manufacturing equipment. It is believed that many of these remnants of production can be repurposed for various manufacturing processes such as plate glass or solar panels.
The infrastructure at the plant is robust, featuring a Union Pacific rail spur, significant electrical power capacity, natural gas access, and a city water supply. The property also boasts 17 loading docks and 800 parking spaces, enhancing its attractiveness as a development-ready site. As part of the transition process, several products produced at the facility over the years, including boxes of wine glasses, have been left behind, alongside remnants of the production line, such as broken glass, known as cullet, and other equipment currently being auctioned off.
Realtor Stokes has expressed a commitment to finding viable options for the former Libbey Glass Plant, exploring opportunities with different industries, including bitcoin miners. The plant retains parts built in the early 1900s, featuring distinctive architectural elements such as wooden floors made from brick. There is optimism around the likelihood of finding a new tenant or developer that can breathe new life into the historic facility.
NLEP is actively promoting the site to attract entities interested in manufacturing or repurposing the property. The designation of the land as a “certified site” further enhances its appeal, ensuring that potential developers can efficiently assess its readiness for use. The efforts of NLEP aim not only to stimulate economic recovery in Shreveport but also to repurpose a site that was once a cornerstone of the local glass manufacturing industry.
As the city looks forward to potential investments and rejuvenation, the future of the former Libbey Glass Plant remains uncertain but hopeful. With the right vision and investment, this historic plant could soon become a hub for new manufacturing endeavors, providing jobs and economic growth for the community.
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Additional Resources
- 710 KEEL News
- KTAL News
- KSLA News
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Shreveport Times
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing Industry
- Google Search: Libbey Glass Plant Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Libbey Glass
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- Google News: Libbey Glass Plant
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.
