Corning Inc. to sell Steuben Glass division
By SARAH GROSSMAN CORNING LEADER

CORNING - Corning Inc. officials announced Wednesday plans to sell Steuben Glass, a business associated with the company since 1918.

Officials have only begun to explore the possible sale of the esteemed glass manufacturer and could not say if the business will relocate elsewhere.

Also uncertain is the future of Steuben's 150 employees including those at the Steuben Flagship Store in New York City.

"This was a difficult decision for the company to make," said James B. Flaws, vice chairman and chief financial officer. "There is a history and pride in association with the business."

Officials hope to have the business sold within a year and hired Lincoln International Bank to market the factory, he said.

Steuben glass is pure lead crystal, free of impurities and made by hand in a factory connected to the Corning Museum of Glass.

At one time the glass was synonymous with the name Corning and many U.S. presidents gave Steuben as gifts to dignitaries.

Despite efforts by Corning - including Internet sales, improved packaging, new designers, and efficient manufacturing - Steuben has lost money over the last 10 years, Flaws said. Last year the business lost $6 million and $30 million over the last five years.

Marie McKee, president and CEO of Steuben, said fewer younger people choose to give Steuben as gifts and instead buy things like televisions.

Steuben employees were made aware of Corning's decision Wednesday. There are 85 American Flint Glass Workers Union/United Steelworkers Local 1000 union members at the plant, said Bob Misuraca, regional representative.

"It was a very sad moment for a lot of skilled workers in that facility," he said. "(Union representatives) are extremely disappointed with the company's decision."

Mike LeBarron, union executive and representative for the Steuben workers, said the news came as a shock.

The employees have many questions that cannot be answered at this stage, said Mike Walker, president of Local 1000. However, he said he appreciated the company's compassion for the business and its employees.

One pressing question for the workers was whether they should leave the factory now or wait to see what happens, he said.

For now, the company intends to run the facility "as usual," Flaws said.

Union officials suggest employees wait for further information before making a decision.

Corning has yet to speak with potential buyers but intends to urge a new owner to maintain operations locally. However, there are no guarantees and the business could be moved or, if not sold, eventually closed.

"Our primary desire is to make Steuben a better business than it is today," Flaws said.

Corning Inc.'s history has been about reinventing itself and Steuben does not fit with the technology innovation company Corning has become, he said. The goal is to find a business that can help Steuben succeed.