In a significant boost to south central Ohio’s manufacturing landscape, Stewart Glass LLC has unveiled plans for a $9.6 million investment in a new flat glass production facility in Logan, Ohio. This initiative, set to create 105 new high-wage jobs, positions the region as a key player in the burgeoning U.S. solar supply chain while breathing new life into a shuttered industrial site.
The project transforms the former GE Lightbulb plant, which closed its doors in early 2023, into a state-of-the-art operation specializing in high-performance pattern glass for solar panels. As the only such facility in the Western Hemisphere, it underscores Ohio’s push toward domestic renewable energy production. Production is slated to begin in March 2026, enhancing the nation’s solar infrastructure and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Financial backing comes from a mix of state and federal support, including a $400,000 JobsOhio Revitalization Grant, a $600,000 JobsOhio Grant, and a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. Additionally, a $16.4 million loan from the USDA Rural Development program will fund expansions and modernizations, ensuring the facility meets cutting-edge standards.
This collaboration involves key partners like JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the Ohio Department of Development, and the Hocking County Community Improvement Corporation. Local leaders hail the development as a win for community revitalization, with OhioSE President and CEO Matt Abbott noting the project’s role in showcasing southeast Ohio’s skilled workforce.
Stewart Glass, a subsidiary of Stewart Engineers, builds on a family legacy of innovation in float glass manufacturing. Company representatives emphasize that the Logan site will not only generate employment but also foster advancements in solar technology, contributing to a more sustainable future for the region and beyond.
This announcement arrives amid a wave of job growth in southern Ohio, signaling a robust economic upswing. For instance, Centrus Energy Corp. revealed a multi-billion-dollar expansion at its uranium enrichment facility in Pike County last October, promising 300 new operations jobs, 1,000 construction positions, and the retention of 127 existing roles. The project amplifies low-enriched uranium production, further strengthening energy independence in the area.
Closer to home, Sterling Teal International Inc. expanded into Muskingum County with 30 new jobs, while Anna Mary’s Fried Pies LLC invested $250,000 in a new facility in Londonderry, adding four positions. Engineered Profiles also committed to 55 jobs in Lawrence County through site development initiatives supported by OhioSE grants.
These developments reflect a broader trend, with OhioSE facilitating 25 business projects in 2025 alone, creating and retaining thousands of opportunities across southeast Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine’s recent approvals, including the Stewart Glass venture, highlight the state’s commitment to attracting investments that yield over $29 million in new payroll statewide.
For south central Ohio residents, these initiatives promise more than jobs; they represent a renaissance in local industry, blending tradition with forward-thinking sectors like renewables and advanced manufacturing. As Logan gears up for this solar surge, the ripple effects could illuminate economic prospects throughout Hocking County and neighboring areas, drawing talent and investment to the heart of the Buckeye State.
