Iconic Kokomo Company Under New Ownership

(Image provided by Kokomo Opalescent Glass) From left-to-right: Jim O'Donnell

A storied glass making business has a new owner. In an announcement on the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Facebook page, Chief Executive Officer John O’Donnell identified Jeff Shaw as the 130-year-old company’s buyer. O’Donnell says he will leave KOG to pursue other business interests and President Dick Elliott will remain with the company.

O’Donnell says Shaw is "new to the art glass industry but has years of experience in managing manufacturing operations." The transaction, O’Donnell says, closed last week. Kokomo Opalescent Glass was launched during the natural gas boom in central Indiana of the 1880s. It’s billed as "America’s Oldest Art Glass Company."

Shaw says the iconic glass products will continue to be made on-location at 1310 S. Market Street where it always has. He intends to expand the company’s product markets and "introduce some new ones along the way."

In the message on Facebook, Shaw said:

I am very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this company. It’s not every day that you find a business like Kokomo Opalescent. This place has a neat history and it produces some beautiful products. I have been very impressed with the pride, skill, and dedication of the people who work here. And the loyalty of our customers is awesome. John and Dick have built a great business and I thank them for trusting its future to me. I wish John the best in his future endeavors. And I am happy that Dick will be staying on with us.