Our Story
OUR STORY
Since 1818, Libbey has been the vanguard of artistry and innovation in glassmaking. From our roots in Toledo, Ohio, to our place as a worldwide total tabletop leader, we continue to empower chefs, mixologists and home entertainers to craft moments that matter with beautiful and durable tabletop products.
THE BEGINNING
Libbey hails originally from East Cambridge, Massachusetts, home of the New England Glass Company, which was founded in 1818. In 1888, Edward Drummond Libbey, son of the first corporate owner, William, moved the company to Toledo, Ohio.
The Glass City
With abundant natural gas resources, access to high-quality sand and a network of railroad and steamship lines, Northwest Ohio was an ideal location. In 1892, the name was changed to The Libbey Glass Company. Libbey and Toledo were (and still are) a match made in heaven and thus The Glass City was born.
The Glass City
With abundant natural gas resources, access to high-quality sand and a network of railroad and steamship lines, Northwest Ohio was an ideal location. In 1892, the name was changed to The Libbey Glass Company. Libbey and Toledo were (and still are) a match made in heaven and thus The Glass City was born.
A History of Firsts
As a vanguard of the glassmaking industry, Libbey is proud to own a number of “firsts”: first to automatically produce lightbulbs, first to develop machine blown glass, first one-piece press and blow stemware. We’ve also brought unique glassmaking processes like marbelique to market.
The Complete Tabletop
Though our story is rooted in glassware, today we represent the complete tabletop. With the acquisition of World Tableware, Syracuse Tableware, Crisa and Crisal over the past 25 years, as well as new partnerships with luxury European brands, our portfolio now offers endless possibilities for food and drinks makers to bring their vision to life.
The Complete Tabletop
Though our story is rooted in glassware, today we represent the complete tabletop. With the acquisition of World Tableware, Syracuse Tableware, Crisa and Crisal over the past 25 years, as well as new partnerships with luxury European brands, our portfolio now offers endless possibilities for food and drinks makers to bring their vision to life.
A Legacy of Innovation
Technology has always been at the forefront of our mission, and we continue to lead the way in innovation. In 2015, we became the only maker of luxury glassware in the U.S. with the introduction of Master’s Reserve. Today, our Libbey DesignLab in Monterrey, Mexico is raising the standard for beautiful, functional design.
An Enduring Maker's Spirit
To us, “For Makers, By Makers” isn’t just a tagline. It’s how we approach our business. Like the makers of food, the makers of drinks and the makers of memories, we know what it means to put your heart and soul into everything you do, because we’ve been doing it for over 200 years. Our legacy may date back to the Industrial Revolution, but we are always looking ahead with an entrepreneurial spirit, a focus on sustainability and an ever-growing breadth of product.
An Enduring Maker's Spirit
To us, “For Makers, By Makers” isn’t just a tagline. It’s how we approach our business. Like the makers of food, the makers of drinks and the makers of memories, we know what it means to put your heart and soul into everything you do, because we’ve been doing it for over 200 years. Our legacy may date back to the Industrial Revolution, but we are always looking ahead with an entrepreneurial spirit, a focus on sustainability and an ever-growing breadth of product.