WV Glass Trip: Day Four

Adding glass to the mold

This morning started off with a trip to Cambridge, Ohio to the Mosser Glass Company.  Unlike other glass companies we have seen, Mosser specializes exclusively in pressed glass manufacturing techniques.  Pressed glass is similar to blown glass in that both techniques often employ the use of molds, but pressing differs in that instead of being blown, it is pressed into the mold with a hand-operated machine.  After being removed from the press, it is passed to a worker who flame polishes the piece to give it clarity.  Then like any other hot glass, it is

Flame polishing a piece

placed into an annealing oven for three hours, where it is then removed, inspected for imperfections, and packages. Quite surprisingly,  all of the company's molds are either made in West Virginia by Weisen, or obtained from closed factories, including  Products of Mosser include all manner of traditional glassware such as glasses, plates, and bowls, as well as decorative figurines.  Interesting enough, Mosser also performs contract work for other companies in need of glass products pertaining to the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and automotive

West Virginia produced mold and plunger

industries.  Today they were making headlight lenses for classic Fords alongside dark red pitchers.  Much like other companies we have seen, Mosser has partnered with other factories in order to make products that they otherwise would be unable to.  Think of other examples where partnership is used, and thoroughly explain how this partnership is necessary for both parties' survival.