Casey Pushes for Confidential Briefing on Questions Related to Charleroi Pyrex Plant

In letter to Senate Finance Committee Chair, Senator Casey asked for a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission about the failed acquisition of Charleroi plant by private equity company that preceded eventual takeover by Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking has since announced plans to close the plant, threatening over 300 jobs in Charleroi

Casey: ‘Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi ‘home’”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chair Senator Ron Wyden to request a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on questions concerning Anchor Hocking’s assumption of control over the Pyrex manufacturing operation in Charleroi. Specifically, Casey requested a briefing on the failed acquisition of Instant Brands’ Houseware division, which included the Charleroi plant, by Centre Lane Partners during Instant Brands’ chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023. After the failed acquisition, a Centre Lane company, Anchor Hocking, assumed control of the Charleroi Pyrex plant and is now planning to close the facility.

“After this failed acquisition, I have been informed that Anchor Hocking, a Centre Lane company, assumed control over the Charleroi Pyrex plant in March.  This raises questions, especially given the subsequent actions taken by Anchor Hocking,” wrote Senator Casey. “Earlier this month, Anchor Hocking informed the over 300 employees at the Charleroi plant that it would be closing the factory’s doors after 132 years of operations. Glass manufacturing in Charleroi has a proud legacy, and this plant has served as the backbone of this community for generations. Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi ‘home.’”

Immediately upon learning of Anchor Hocking’s plans to close the plant on September 5^th, Senator Casey’s office reached out to the plant’s union leadership and Charleroi Borough officials, connecting them with federal and state authorities. Casey’s office also helped convene a task force of county commissioners, borough officials, and local economic development leaders. Casey’s staff also alerted the White House Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization to the situation, leading to a plant visit by federal officials on September 11^th. On September 19^th, Senator Casey sent a letter to Anchor Hocking’s CEO demanding an explanation for the closure and urging the company to reconsider its actions.

Casey has long been a fierce advocate for Mon Valley workers and businesses. Last year, Casey successfully advocated for the inclusion of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers as part of the U.S. Marine Highway System, which opened up new federal opportunities along the corridors that can benefit local Southwestern Pennsylvania communities like Charleroi. In November 2023, Casey pushed to increase and diversify the flow of American-made goods along major Southwestern Pennsylvania waterways. Earlier this year, he secured language in the FY 2024 spending bill l directing the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization to convene stakeholders to discuss waterway freight diversification and economic development in the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela River Corridor. This task force will help connect riverfront communities with federal resources from laws like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Read the full letter HERE and below:

September 20, 2024

The Honorable Ron Wyden

Chairman

Committee on Finance

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Wyden:

I write to request that you, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, request a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for both our offices on the failed acquisition of Instant Brands’ housewares division—including the Pyrex manufacturing operation in Charleroi, Pennsylvania—by the private equity firm, Centre Lane Partners (“Centre Lane”) during Instant Brands’ chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023, and any other actions the FTC has considered related to this facility.

After this failed acquisition, I have been informed that Anchor Hocking, a Centre Lane company, assumed control over the Charleroi Pyrex plant in March.^[1] This raises questions, especially given the subsequent actions taken by Anchor Hocking.  Earlier this month, Anchor Hocking informed the over 300 employees at the Charleroi plant that it would be closing the factory’s doors after 132 years of operations.^[2] Glass manufacturing in Charleroi has a proud legacy, and this plant has served as the backbone of this community for generations. Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi “home.”

Yesterday, I sent a letter to the Anchor Hocking CEO demanding answers on how Anchor Hocking came to control the Charleroi Pyrex plant, as well as his decision to close it.^[3] With the livelihoods of hundreds of Pennsylvanians hanging in the balance, however, we must have all the information available to demand answers and exhaust all federal avenues to fight for these Pennsylvania workers.

Pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act’s disclosure clause,^[4] I understand the sensitivity of such matters, and I can assure you that neither I nor my staff will disclose any non-public information provided during the briefing. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.