Vitro Architectural Glass has established itself as the foremost glass manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, gaining recognition for its high-performing, low-embodied carbon glass products that adorn city skylines worldwide. While Vitro’s growth and expansion has been impressive, the company remains deeply committed to its historical origins, which date back to the founding of Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) in 1883 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In 2016, Vitro acquired PPG’s flat glass business and committed to preserving the core aspects that made PPG Glass a leader in the industry. This included retaining dedicated employees, investing millions into existing facilities, including Pittsburgh's world-renowned glass technology center, and continuing the well-established manufacturing processes contributing to PPG's legacy. This investment has reinvigorated the glass business in Western Pennsylvania and North America.
Vitro is a longtime partner of many Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania organizations and has proudly donated glass for several landmark renovations, including the Pittsburgh Glass Center’s (PGC) historic $15 million expansion completed in September 2024. Vitro's dedication to supporting local organizations profoundly impacts the communities of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, which holds special significance for the company.
Go-to Glass Destination
In Pittsburgh's vibrant Friendship Neighborhood, PGC has established itself as a dynamic hub for all things glass. Since its inception in 2001, PGC has created an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere designed to engage a diverse audience, ranging from casual interest to seasoned glass artisans.
Over the past two decades, PGC has expanded its offerings significantly, developing a robust program that includes hands-on workshops, immersive classes and exhibitions showcasing traditional and contemporary glass art. The center serves as a place for learning and creativity and inspires visitors with its commitment to innovation and community outreach. Today, Pittsburgh Glass Center is recognized as a premier destination for anyone looking to explore the intricacies of glassmaking and connect with a thriving artistic community.
PGC recognized the need for more space to accommodate visitors, enabling them to fully enjoy its offerings and realize its potential as a hub for artistic excellence and community engagement. To address this need, PGC launched a transformational capital campaign called "Shattering Expectations." This campaign supported a significant expansion project aimed at doubling the existing space and renovating an adjacent building. The renovation also provided additional housing for technical apprentices and visiting artists, creating a gallery space for emerging artists and community programming.
An artist at work during the completion ceremony.
Improved Aesthetics and Performance
As a longstanding PGC partner, Vitro didn’t hesitate to help PGC in its landmark expansion by donating its energy-efficient, highly transparent and superior thermal-performance products.
Vitro’s donation to PGC included Solarban® 72 Starphire® glass, a combination of low-e and low-iron glass with exceptional clarity and superior solar control performance. The project also features VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), a versatile product that provides center-of-glass (COG) R-values comparable to the thermal performance of traditional walls. United Plate Glass, the glass fabricator, and Southwest Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc., the glazier, are both located in Western Pennsylvania and were additional partners who contributed to this project.
“The glass used ensures that everyone who visits PGC will enjoy exploring the beautiful new space in complete comfort,” said Ricardo Maiz, Vitro Architectural Glass President.
Enhancing Functionality and Increasing Capacity
The expansion added 11,000 square feet of space, establishing additional studio space, a retail store and expanded community programming. In addition, the enlargement allowed PGC to expand its unique apprenticeship program, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent within the glassblowing community.
A standout feature of PGC's expansion is the state-of-the-art third-floor glassblowing studio, which boasts an outdoor deck known as the Vitro Patio. This open-air space is ideal for observing awe-inspiring glassblowing demonstrations and other activities.
“It is a great privilege to have contributed to PGC's historic expansion,” explained Maiz. “Our ties to this region run deep. At our glass technology center just a few miles north of the city, our dedicated research and development teams consistently push the boundaries of architectural glass, striving to innovate and enhance its capabilities. We take pride in integrating these breakthroughs into the renovations, ensuring that visitors from around the globe can enjoy the finest views and optimal occupant comfort while visiting PGC.”
Completing this extensive renovation has brought immense joy and excitement to the artists and patrons who regularly visit this innovative community hub, gallery and studio. Thanks to the creative use of Vitro Architectural Glass products, PGC is set to offer a unique and inspiring space for the community for many years to come.
Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural Glass
Featured image caption: Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) partners and supporters cut a hot glass ribbon to commemorate the completion of PGC’s historic expansion.
Updated on November 7, 2024
