Owner touts workers at Millville glass firm

V. Paul Weikel, vice president for engineering for GGI, credited the increase to "an absolutely wonderful" work force.

"That's nothing short of fantastic," Weikel said in remarks Tuesday at a Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce luncheon. "It's greater than our expectations by a long stretch of the imagination."

Efficiency may have an ironic price, though.

In a question-and-answer session, Weikel said the production boost might force a temporary production curtailment. The concern is that inventory may get well ahead of sales.

Despite that, the company's long-term plan is to grow its domestic manufacturing assets. That includes firing up two furnaces here at some point.

GGI is the country's largest producer of small specialty molded glass products for the health, beauty and cosmetic industries.

Domestic production is centered at its plant at 3rd and G streets in Millville and another in Flat River, Mo.

GGI also is a minority owner of a production facility in Beijing in partnership with China's government.

In last year's deal with Alcan, GGI also picked up glass decorating facilities in Williams-town and Mays Landing.

"Looking back on those six months, while it really brought an enormous amount of work, it brought no surprises," Weikel said.

The company is forecasting $130 million in sales this year, up from about $122 million.

Weikel, a Vineland resident, is a former Wheaton Glass employee. Most of GGI's management and its majority owners also are former Wheaton employees.