Anchor Glass Cracked

Officials at the anchor glass Container plant say the almost century-old business could close as a result. Anchor glass employs 365-people.

Anchor Glass is one of Chemung County's largest employers. It manufactures glass for the food, liquor and beer industries. They produce 1.5 to 2 million glass containers a day in clear glass and amber glass. This manufacturing business may shatter if it loses its source of inexpensive energy. General Manager Michael Sopp says,” our contract with New York Power Authority expires in October. With that expiration our power cost would increase dramatically and basically could make us non competitive."

Anchor Glass pays approximately 15-million dollars a year for power. Anchor could pay another 1-point-4 million dollars for electricity if the contract isn’t renewed or extended.

Michael Sopp says paying that much could force Anchor Glass to close. Reducing the cost makes the company competitive, and without it, there is a possibility of consolidation Sopp says. He’s working to fix the problem. Making local and state governments aware of the serious situation

State Senator George Winner is co-sponsoring a bill to ensure that Anchor Glass receives discount electricity. He hopes the bill will pass before this legislative session ends.

The New York State Company has been in business for 93 years. The employees in the company’s three unions are under contract until 2008.

There are 29 other manufacturing companies in the southern tier that are facing the same problem including the Gunlocke Company in Wayland.