KROSNO is an iconic brand and a global showpiece of Polish glassware. Nearly 100 years of craftsmanship, renowned for its attention to every detail, has brought about a wide range of products that stand out for their quality, functionality, exquisite workmanship and timeless design. Discover the milestones in our history.
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1923The construction of Krosno’s first glassworks plant begins on an estate bought from Countess Kaczkowska, which will later become a landmark of the entire region.
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1924Within less than a year after construction began, the company Polskie Huty Szkła (Polish Glassworks) launches production. First batches of glassware products are shipped from the company.
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1929The Polish Minister of Industry and Trade, Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, awards the glassworks a gold medal for its overall contribution to the industry.
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1939The Second World War catches the plant working at full capacity. After a brief production stop during the war, the factory resumes production under German rule.
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1944While retreating from Krosno, Nazi troops steel the products and factory equipment and set the glassworks on fire. Only a few days after the factory was burnt to the ground, a group of workers begins reconstruction.
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1945Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the glassworks plant is reopened. The factory begins to thrive and is constantly upgraded, with first automated equipment helping boost production. KROSNO gains international recognition and starts exporting to Britain, Brazil and Canada. Following years are marked by further development together with the opening of a new household glassware and technical glass manufacturing plants.
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1958The Polish government establishes a state-owned enterprise called Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła (Krosno Glassworks). A paint shop, an in-house glass vocational school and newly built facilities are gradually opened. Additional glasswork plants are incorporated into the industrial complex.
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1970 -
- 1980Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła continues to operate under the centrally planned economy. Given the scale of production, KROSNO brand glassware can be found in almost every Polish household. Despite increasing automation, the company also maintains the handmade production line, which is particularly admired in foreign markets. KROSNO patterns create the history of Polish design and several designers win international fame. The glassworks deliver many prestigious contracts, including for Queen Elizabeth II, Empress of Japan, and the King of Spain - Juan Carlos.
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1990The 1990s are marked by a breakthrough into the free market economy. The company is privatised and goes public on the Warsaw Stock Exchange as Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła “KROSNO” S.A.
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2001Grupa Kapitałowa Krosno is established, incorporating Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła “KROSNO” S.A. along with the neighbouring glassworks in Jasło and Tarnów.
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2003Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła “KROSNO” celebrates its 80th anniversary. The company receives the “Polish President’s Business Award” for “a considerable contribution to building the prestige of the Polish economy among EU member states”.
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2009Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła “KROSNO” faces a difficult period. The company goes into liquidation bankruptcy. Over the next years, selected assets and subsidiaries are sold. Nevertheless, the glassworks continues to produce and successfully sells glassware in Poland and abroad. The company participates in international exhibitions and maintains relationships with key clients.
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2016Coast2Coast Capital, a global investment fund, acquires the business as an asset transaction, finalizing the liquidation process for Krośnieńskie Huty Szkła “KROSNO” lasting more than seven years. Renamed as Krosno Glass, the company opens a new chapter in its history. Its growth strategy for the following years proposes large-scale investment with aim to increase production capacity, upgrade of the manufacturing plant and expansion drawing on the strong KROSNO brand.
Drawings by Krzysztof Brynecki