The company blamed its recent financial struggles on a former gas supplier, Big Two Mile Gas Co., which resumed garnishing funds from Blenko's bank accounts earlier this week.
Blenko owes the gas company more than $500,000, according to the bankruptcy file. Charleston philanthropist Ed Maier is part owner and president of Big Two Mile Gas.
In a news release, Blenko said the voluntary bankruptcy would allow the company to continue normal operations and sell its glass products. No layoffs are planned. The glass factory has 49 employees.
"Blenko Glass has encountered many operating difficulties in recent years, including the current economic recession," said Blenko vice president Katie Trippe in a prepared release. "Blenko has been working to improve its operations and to become more efficient, as well as to increase its sales."
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Blenko Glass files for bankruptcy
Century-old glassmaker can't pay bills; no layoffs of 49 workers plannedCHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The historic Blenko Glass Co. in Milton has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to reorganize.