Nortel Manufacturing, the Toronto-based glassworking torch and flamework supply company, shared some major news recently: a change in ownership, a heartfelt send-off for its longtime leader, and a fresh set of commitments to the glass community it has served for decades.

Passing the Torch

At 95 years old, Peter Norton — Nortel’s longtime owner — has handed the business on to a new owner. Rather than a silent handover, the transition was marked by an outpouring of tributes from across the glassworking world.

Longtime collaborators and customers, including our founder Zachary Melo, artist Jennifer Tough and Carlisle Machine president Mary Dougherty, shared stories about how Peter mentored, encouraged, and supported glass artists over the past several decades, helping build the culture of the wider glassworking community along the way on their Facebook page.

Jean Robichaud, a longtime member of the Nortel team and (in our opinion) the godmother of the Canadian art glass scene, helped guide the announcement and remains involved with the company.

Nortel’s New Owner

Nortel introduced Michael Adi as the company’s new owner and President. Adi brings a background of working closely with the glass community and has expressed a strong appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind Nortel’s products, while also seeing potential for Nortel to grow into new manufacturing markets.

New Commitments to the Community

Adi has laid out several commitments for Nortel’s future:

• Fully restocking glassworking materials for the Canadian glass community.
• Bringing the complete Nortel torch product line back into production.
• Expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities and industry partnerships.
• And continuing to support Canadian-made craftsmanship.

A Community Celebrates

The response from the glass community has been overwhelmingly warm. Many of us longtime customers and fellow industry figures have offered congratulations and support for the new chapter, while continuing to honour Peter’s legacy as the foundation the company is built on.

We are excited to continue partnership and efforts with Nortel in supporting and building the Canadian art glass community.