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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Ronnie Robinson, 32 years - Blenko The People


Ronnie Robinson's title is Maintenace Supervisor. He began working at Blenko while in his early 20s. His good friend Boyd Meadows knew he (Ronnie) has a natural ability to 'fix' things and thought Blenko could use someone with his talents. He came for an interview, liked the work, they liked him and like many other long term BLENKO Glass folk, he became part of the Blenko Family.
Ronnie is a very modest, unassuming man, he says " I learned most everything I know working here at Blenko, if something needed to be done, I have always tried to do it. . . .reading manuals, learning by trail and error I have learned to tear and down and rebuild most every piece of equipment we have. My job is to keep everything 'up and running' to make certain the buildings and the equipment are in good order."
Blenko Glass relys on Ronnie's expertise in many areas, he is a catalyst, he sees a problem and immediately begins to look for solutions, all the while thinking about cost containment and both the goal of keeping the plant up and running, and making certain everything is safe.
Ronnie reports that he does NOT collect Blenko, he does have some special pieces that friends have made especially for him over the years (as he said this - - in my mind I knew what pieces he owns would be very nice). While he has no favoirte designer or design - he does admire the designs Winslow Anderson made, he likes the fact that they are still in the line. One gets the feeling Ronnie's technical/ mechanical thought process would attract him to things made well and lthings that 'Last".
Ronnie is married to one of the attractive blondes (Carol) in shippping. Their children have attachments to both MARSHALL and WVU so Ronnie and Carol attend and cheer for both Universities. They enjoy traveling to DC and other parts to visit with adult children.
Ronnie likes to spends what free time he has outside -hunting and fishing. He loves the outdoors, he appreciates nature and all things of beauty. When ask what one thing he wanted to say about Blenko. Ronnie said: " I have two things to say, I am very grateful for the experiences Blenko Glass has provided me with, I have learned so very much over the years, I appreciate the Company and have enjoyed my time here. Coming to work is not something I dread, but something I look forward to almost every day. The other thing is BLENKO GLASS is an artform, many local people don't seem to realize, this is 'art glass' the men who work here are factory workers but they are also artist. . . . .Glass is a beautiful living thing. " "Blenko Glass imakes some of the most beautiful glass in the country. " HJH

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