Cardinal Glass Nears Opening of Latest Expansion

May 14, 2021

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Cardinal Glass Ariel View

On May 14, Cardinal Glass welcomed Oden Grube, Mayor of Durant; John Dean, Durant City Manager; Lisa Taylor, Executive Director of the Durant Industrial Authority; Brent Kisling, Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) Executive Director; and other members of the Commerce team for a tour of its latest expansion. The project, totaling $25 million, includes a new tempering furnace as well as a facility expansion and brings the company’s total investment in Durant to more than $300 million. The company expects to start up the new line in mid-June and reach full production in July.

“I am proud for the opportunity to show off our latest expansion,” said Shaun Banner, Plant Manager, Cardinal Glass. “We are excited to further grow this facility, increasing our production and adding to our workforce.”  

The expansion will also add 16 new employees to the facility. Cardinal Glass is currently recruiting for those positions which will have a salary of approximately $50,000 annually. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average wage for Bryan County is $37,797, putting these new jobs at Cardinal Glass more than 30% higher.  

“We are excited for the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Glass and see their expanded facility and production line,” said Taylor. “This expansion highlights that there is opportunity for companies to grow here. The Durant Industrial Authority is continuing to ramp up new initiatives to bring new jobs and investment to the area while also working to strengthen our talent pipeline so our employers can be successful.” 

“Congratulations to Cardinal Glass and the Durant community on this exciting expansion,” said Kisling. “Cardinal Glass is a tremendous company and a valuable employer for the region. We appreciate the quality jobs they offer and their continued investment in Durant.”