Fenton Art Glass on Discovery Channel

Two years ago, the Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown was on the verge of closing, taking with it more than 100 years of glass-making artistry.

Through restructuring and an outcry of support from the community and Fenton collectors, the company was able to stay in business.

But it hasn't been without challenges. The recession and high cost of natural gas forced company officials to shut down the glass factory for a few weeks at a time to keep from overproducing. Fenton president George Fenton said despite all of this, sales are strong.

“We have tried to focus our production on fewer colors at any one time and to thereby be able to run the furnaces and use less gas that way. That is not to say that during a years time we are not doing as many pieces that we have ever done because we are and as many different styles, and colors, and shapes. Just doing it in a different way."

One of the company’s strategies to remain competitive in the future is to increase marketing opportunities. In 2007, a web-site employee at Fenton contacted Discovery Channel show “Dirty Jobs.”

Fenton said one year later, a production crew, including show host Mike Rowe came to the plant to film an episode.

“The production crew came in and filmed the process and worked with our employees in the behind the scenes work that many people have never seen because it is not in our public tours.”

"Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe became familiar with Fenton several years ago, when he sold the glass as a host on QVC.  Rowe’s visit inspired a partnership with Fenton Glass.

Fenton said the company has agreed to make select pieces for Rowe’s own Web site called MikeroweWORKS.com. The site celebrates hard work and promotes development of skilled labor jobs in America.

“We have done a couple of paper weights that have the MikeroweWORKS logo on it. We have done a black t-shirt with a saying that Mike often does saying “Get ready to get dirty” with interesting graphics on a black glass t-shirt.”

Fenton added, “We have a couple of items that he tried to make while in the factory, a couple of those and some cats that he has had connection to in the past.”

Today, Fenton Glass employs about 125 people.

The "Dirty Jobs" episode featuring Fenton Art Glass Company will appear on the Discovery Channel Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00 p.m.