Torstenson Glass – The Next Chapter of our Glass Legacy
You may have seen recent communication from us regarding our move to a new location. This is an exciting time at Torstenson Glass, but also a bittersweet moment as we make a major change to our operation that has remained consistent over our storied history. To think that Torstenson Glass has been in continuous operation in Chicago for 135 years is quite remarkable. There are not many companies that can point to a history like that.
I often get the question where the name “Torstenson” comes from. The company was started by Elmer Torstenson in 1889 on Fletcher St in the Lakeview neighborhood. In 1910, the business was moved to 3233 N. Sheffield which is where it would remain for 114 years. Beginning in the early 1900s and to this day, the operational success of TG has been spearheaded by multiple generations of the Studt family. Alfred Studt was the first to begin working at TG in 1912. His son, Don Studt, began working there and eventually purchased the company outright from the Torstenson family in 1963. Following in his footsteps were Don’s sons Doug and Brad, and then eventually Doug’s son Drew who carries on the tradition. Four generations of Studt’s ensuring the success of Torstenson Glass.
I had the pleasure of first meeting Doug Studt back in 2013 when I was the new Midwest Territory account manager for Technical Glass Products. My first visit with Doug at his favorite restaurant, Ann Sather’s (best cinnamon roll in Chicago), was my introduction to Torstenson Glass (TG) and the beginning of our business relationship, mentorship and friendship. Much of my industry knowledge I owe to Doug. Drew and I like to call Doug the “Glass GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time for those that don’t know). My relationship with Doug eventually led to me joining TG in 2020 and I am thankful that I did.
What makes TG great, and why I am so excited about our next chapter, is the people. Our office staff of Drew, Shirley, Kevin and Amanda are always there to answer the phone and provide service, each with extensive industry experience. Our plant staff work hard and efficiently. And the new captain of the TG ship, President Randall Coe, brings us new ideas and operational improvements.
So, as we leave our home of 114 years on Sheffield Ave, I am eager to reveal the next home of TG at 8270 Austin Ave in Morton Grove. Despite us having a new location, logo, website, etc., the extensive products and services we provide to our customers, and the people behind the scenes at TG, will continue to be a part of the success we have had for the previous 135 years.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve you,
Tim Warren
Sales Manager
