Leaders trying to save 300 jobs at Charleroi glass plant

CHARLEROI, Pa. (KDKA) — Efforts are underway to save more than 300 jobs in Washington County after it was announced the plant that makes cookware like Pyrex would close at the end of the year.

The plant in Charleroi has been part of the community for about a century. Now with the threat of those jobs leaving, local leaders are working to try and keep them, and if they can't, they want to make sure the plant doesn't stay empty for long.

The news of the Anchor Hocking plant closing came as a surprise to just about everyone in the Mon Valley borough.

"It sent a shockwave through this community," Charleroi borough manager Joe Manning said.

For some families, the plant has employed multiple generations. Some spouses even work there together. It's something the area can't afford to lose.

"Their hope is in us. They're just hoping we can do something," Charleroi Mayor Gregg Doerfler said.

Borough leaders like Doerfler are trying to see what can be done. They have put in calls to state and federal leaders to keep the manufacturing jobs in Charleroi. Leaders are also working with union leaders, who are meeting with Anchor Hocking.

"Please stay here. I don't want to see it leave. It's been a big part of this town forever, and I don't want to see it go," Doerfler said.

There is some positive news coming out of it, at least right now. Council members have told Manning some lines of communication that were previously closed are now open.

"But it's a positive step that he's at least making an effort to make sure that they either reverse that decision and keep that plant open or find a suitable replacement for it," Manning said.

The goal is to keep Anchor Hocking in Charleroi and all the jobs as well, but if their efforts don't work, borough leaders don't want the building sitting and decaying away. They want to attract someone to fill in and bring jobs back.

"We saw these areas where people just threw their hands up and said 'well, that's a shame' and moved on and let those areas become brownfields. We don't want to let that happen," Manning said. 

Later this week, leaders are expected to have a press conference to put more pressure on the company in the hopes of keeping them here.