Shreveport, LA, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The former Libbey Glass Plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, will be redeveloped into an industrial site after closing in late 2020. The North Louisiana Economic Partnership has finalized the acquisition of the 54-acre site with plans for a 50-acre industrial park, supported by approximately $10 million in state funding. An auction for remaining equipment is scheduled for August 3, as the area prepares for revitalization and job creation.
Shreveport
The former Libbey Glass Plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to undergo significant redevelopment following its closure in late 2020 after 47 years of operation. The site, which spans over 54 acres and houses multiple structures dating back to the early 1900s, will soon be acquired by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) for a planned transformation into an industrial site.
The sale of the Libbey Glass Plant has been finalized, with a mortgage closing scheduled for September 5. This follows the announcement in July 2020 that the plant would cease operations due to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings affecting around 450 employees. The closure not only marked the end of glass production in the area but also represented a significant setback for the local economy.
To facilitate the redevelopment, the state has allocated approximately $10 million for the project, which includes $7.2 million for land acquisition and $2.8 million devoted to remediation efforts on the site. Furthermore, the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority has signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, contributing an additional $1,050,404 to aid NLEP in its initiatives.
NLEP Executive Director Justyn Dixon has emphasized the site’s potential, highlighting its advantageous location near major transportation routes. The current structures are considered less desirable compared to the land itself, leading to potential demolition activities to make way for modern industrial use.
A significant portion of the existing equipment in the plant is scheduled for auction on August 3. Over 1,000 lots of industrial equipment, tools, furniture, and items from the factory store will be available via online auction, managed by NexBid of Tyler, Texas. This auction aims to clear out remnants of the previous operation as the area prepares for industrial revitalization.
In addition to the auction, a comprehensive cleanup is expected to follow. The vision for the site includes converting it into a 50-acre industrial park equipped with existing utility infrastructure, designed to attract future manufacturing opportunities. Local realtor Chris Stokes has pointed out the historical significance of the Libbey Glass Plant but underlined the urgent need for job creation in the area to support the community post-closure.
While the closing of the Libbey Glass Plant was a notable loss for Shreveport, local officials view the redevelopment as part of a larger economic revitalization effort. As the community begins to recover, this project symbolizes promising prospects for future employment and industrial development in the region.
Key Features of the Libbey Glass Plant Redevelopment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Site Area | 54 acres |
| Closure Date | Late 2020 |
| Years of Operation | 47 years |
| Number of Employees Affected | 450 |
| Planned Auction Date | August 3 |
| State Funding | $10 million (for land acquisition and remediation) |
| Future Use | 50-acre industrial site |
FAQ
What was the Libbey Glass Plant’s primary function before its closure?
The Libbey Glass Plant manufactured various glass items until it ceased operations in late 2020.
How many employees were impacted by the closure of the plant?
The closure affected approximately 450 employees who worked at the facility.
When is the sale of the Libbey Glass Plant expected to close?
The sale is set to close at a mortgage closing on September 5.
What is the future plan for the Libbey Glass Plant site?
The intent is to transform the property into a 50-acre industrial park to attract new manufacturing opportunities.
How much state funding has been allocated for the redevelopment project?
Approximately $10 million has been allocated, with funds earmarked for both property acquisition and remediation efforts.
When will the auction for the remaining contents of the plant take place?
The auction is scheduled for August 3, handled by NexBid, featuring over 1,000 lots of items from the factory.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic Buildings in Downtown Shreveport Hit the Market
Historic Buildings for Redevelopment in Shreveport
Historic Buildings for Sale in Downtown Shreveport
Shreveport Historic Buildings Listed for Sale with Renovation Potential
Historic Buildings for Sale in Shreveport
Historic 17-Story Building to Be Auctioned in Shreveport
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop-Shop
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop Shop Website
Historic Shreveport Building Set for Auction
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop-Shop Website
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Libbey Glass to be Sold
- Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Libbey Glass Online Auction
- Google Search: Shreveport Libbey Glass
- KTAL News: Libbey Glass Demolition
- Google Scholar: Libbey Glass Plant
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Next Steps for Libbey Glass
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
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.
