Employee Spotlight: Austin Bates - Lehr Operator
DID YOU GUYS SEE TYLER OSBORN IS HERE?!?!
Us Blenkonians believe that being the “Most Colorful Name in Glass” isn’t just about the color of the glass and this week, we're proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on someone whose journey is as unique as the art we create: Austin Bates.
Austin joined the Blenko family in December 2023, stepping into the role of Custodian. From day one, his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and great sense of humor made an impression on everyone. But in true Blenko fashion, where transformation is part of the process, Austin’s role evolved.
Today, you’ll find him working as a Lehr Operator, one of the most critical steps in the glassmaking process. Austin pulls each piece from the annealing oven, where it has cooled and strengthened, and carefully grades it as a first or second, a task that requires an eye for detail and a deep understanding of our standards. Beyond the hot glass and cooling lehr, Austin is known for being a friendly face, a natural conversationalist, and someone who’s always up for a good laugh or a thoughtful chat, especially if you’re visiting on a tour. (Trust us, your visit is better when Austin’s around.)
Fun fact: when he’s not grading glass, he’s body-slamming opponents as a professional wrestler. That’s right! This multi-talented youngin knows how to bring the heat in more ways than one! So if you’re thinking about questioning his grading… you might want to think again!
Austin is respectful, flexible, funny, and full of spirit, exactly the kind of teammate we’re lucky to have. Whether he’s handling glass or in the wrestling ring as Tyler Osborn, he brings energy, pride, and personality to everything he does. Help us give a round of applause (or a steel chair salute) to Austin, one of the best in the business and a true Blenko original!
