The small city of Charleroi, long defined by its glass industry, faces a major blow after a federal court ruled this week that Anchor Hocking can continue to its plan to shut down operations and move jobs to Ohio.

For over a century, the Anchor Hocking facility has stood on the banks of the Monongahela River and served as a cornerstone of the local economy. Now, as the company prepares to leave, residents and local leaders are struggling to come to terms with the loss.

“It’s a really, really big part of our history. Losing the glass industry means we’re losing part of Charleroi’s identity, our heritage,” said Kristin Hopkins-Calcek, president of Charleroi Borough.

The decision comes despite a strong fight by the community, which even noticed by the state’s minister of justice. But on Thursday, a federal judge ruled in favor of Anchor Hocking, allowing the company to move forward with its shutdown.

In a small neighborhood, the impact is personal, and many fear losing their livelihoods. “There are 350 families. It doesn’t just affect Charleroi; it affects the entire mid-Mon Valley,” says Hopkins-Calcek.

With the facility slated to begin layoffs next month, city leaders are now turning to a new strategy. “We have a public platform, which is the beginning of a new beginning,” Hopkins-Calcek said.

The hope is to help these families and ensure that new industries come in to keep these families in their homes and community.

But Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman wants to see more. He’s urging state lawmakers to take steps to prevent future corporate exits that hurt local economies.

“They got Washington County’s local equity account — our casino money,” Sherman said. “The agreement was that money would be invested in Mondalen. Instead, after cashing these checks, they run to another state or sometimes another country. We need lawmakers to ensure that businesses can’t take Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars and leave.”

As the community braces for the economic fallout, leaders hope future legislative action can help protect small towns like Charleroi from similar companies pulling back.

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