In a proud celebration of craftsmanship, history and legacy, the Paul Wissmach Glass Company has been officially recognized as a West Virginia Centurion business by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office. The company, which has operated continuously from its location in Paden City since 1904, was presented with the award this week by Secretary of State Kris Warner in honor of its 121 years of service to the state and the global glassmaking community.

Founded by Paul Wissmach in 1904 under the name Ohio Valley Glass Company, the business quickly built a worldwide reputation as a dependable and innovative glassmaker. Renowned for its wide array of colors, textures, and levels of transparency, Wissmach Glass became synonymous with artistic excellence serving designers, stained glass artisans, and religious institutions around the globe.

From 1910 until 1987, the company remained under the stewardship of the Wissmach family. After founder Paul Wissmach, the business was passed to his nephew Alfred Vollmar, and later to Alfred’s sister, including Paul’s niece, Marguerite Vollmar, who carried on the family tradition with a deep appreciation for the artistry of glassmaking.

Upon Marguerite’s passing in 1987, ownership transitioned to longtime employee Paul Feldmeir, preserving the company’s commitment to handcrafted excellence and historical integrity. In 2021, stewardship of the company passed to current owners Jason Wilburn and Annabelle Javier, who continue to uphold its legacy in the 21st century.

Today, the Paul Wissmach Glass Company is celebrated as the producer of the largest variety of colored sheet glass in the world, offering a dazzling range of options that continue to illuminate cathedrals, chapels, and artistic works around the globe.

“On behalf of the people of the great state of West Virginia,” said Secretary of State Kris Warner during the award ceremony, “it is my honor to present this certificate of membership to the owners of Paul Wissmach Glass Company, as a sign of our sincere appreciation for more than a century of contribution to our state, our culture, and the art of American glassmaking.”

The West Virginia Centurion program was created to honor businesses that have stood the test of time weathering tragedy, world wars, stock market crashes, depressions, recessions, military conflicts, and pandemics. These businesses, Warner noted, are the backbone of local communities and deserve as much recognition as the new businesses often welcomed with ribbon cuttings and grand openings.

“West Virginia does a good job of welcoming businesses to our communities,” Warner said. “But until now, we haven’t made the time to truly celebrate the businesses that have stayed. Working with our friends in the State Senate and House of Delegates, we believe it’s equally important to recognize those members of our business community who have been in continuous operation for more than 100 years.”

With more than a century of service and dedication to its craft, the Paul Wissmach Glass Company remains a shining example of what it means to be a true West Virginia Centurion.