Crafting Community
The goodwill toward Blenko is the rocket fuel that propels the company forward .
“ One thing we ’ re trying to consciously approach is the fact that our customer base has been aging for years ,” Arnett shares . “ Because of this , Blenko glass collections are being passed down to children and grandchildren .”
“ Changing the workplace culture may be tough now , but it will be much better for us in the long run to focus on having great employees and good glassworkers ,” he says . “ We can train someone to work with glass , but we cannot train someone to be a responsible employee .”
An aging customer base provides an opportunity to harness new audiences like Generation Z . Not only are people receiving passed down collections from family members , but they ’ ll also seek out artisan wares in antique shops and boutiques .
“ This new generation is the generation we ’ re trying to capture ,” Arnett says . “ We ’ re reminding them that we make a handmade product that lasts for generations . So , we ’ re really selling this investment in quality design and aesthetics that will be displayed in their homes for decades to come .”
Another way Blenko is diversifying its customer base is through partnerships with guest artists and designers . This is an initiative Arnett has been entrusted with .
“ We intend to bring in guest artists and designers two or three times each year in order to fuse their styles , sensibilities and approaches with our historical and legacy glass company ,” he explains . “ It ’ s a great way to bring new products to our customers with different voices and perspectives in a way that allows us to play to our strengths and preserve what we do best , which is sleek , contemporary , mid-century glass .”
Partnering with these guest artists and designers has brought new life and energy into the factory .
Building a Better Blenko
Creating a positive work environment and investing in its employees are top priorities for Blenko .
“ As we ’ re committed to optimizing the total lifetime value of our employees , we ’ re offering better benefits , wages and working conditions ,” says Wertz . “ We have 80 % employer-paid health insurance , a 401k retirement plan with a company match and the highest wages Blenko has ever been able to offer . We also have sick leave and better vacation policies .”
As part of the new , younger , more diverse workforce , women are working on the hot shop floor for the first time ever . Cutler also touches on the importance of an improved employee experience and diversified workforce in order for Blenko to run smoothly .
Manufacturing Memories
Visit us and watch the near magic of our skilled artisans manipulating hot flowing glass as it becomes the solid object of light and color .
The observation deck is free and open to the public — no age limit or safety gear required !
Hours that our workers can be viewed :
Monday and Tuesday : 9 a . m . to 2:15 p . m . Wednesday through Friday : 9 a . m . to 4:30 p . m . Saturday : 9 a . m . to 4:30 p . m . Sunday : 12 p . m . to 4:30 p . m .
* Hours subject to change surrounding holidays or other planned closures
Stay tuned to our social media channels for even more opportunities to go behind the scenes at this historic glass factory !
Tours Guided tours are a paid experience with a trained tour guide walking you through not only the history of Blenko Glass Company but also the factory and production methods — from sand to hand .
Every guest will receive a special keepsake . These in-depth tours must be scheduled ahead of time .