A new type soft-spun air filter media (Glasfloss) made by the newly patented Modigliani process was introduced by Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) in 1950. PPG built a large manufacturing facility for the production of standard-sized filters in Long Island, New York, but contracted with Air Filters Co. to make all of its special-sized filters using the new media and registered name “Glasfloss.” By 1953, PPG had decided to withdraw from filter manufacturing and turned over to Lange and Tottis both its standard and special filter making. PPG remained in the air filter business only as a supplier of glass filter media.
When Lange and Tottis undertook the manufacture of standard-sized Glasfloss filters, they went into direct competition with Owens Corning. A separate corporation, Filter Fabricators, Inc., was formed with separate plant facilities for the manufacture of the Glasfloss line. To handle the demands of mass production of standard filters, Lange designed and built a unique automated filter assembly machine. Plant facilities were expanded in New York City and opened in Newburgh, New York.
By 1958, PPG had discontinued manufacture of filter media and sold its filter division and the registered trade name “Glasfloss” to Lange and Tottis. In subsequent years, the names of their companies were changed to Glasfloss Industries, Inc.
Another industrial giant and the pioneer in air filter manufacturing, Owens Corning exited the air filter industry in 1979. Glasfloss’ predecessor, Air Duct Installation Co., had started filter manufacture two years after Owens Corning began producing air filters. Glasfloss is the oldest American owned and operated manufacturer of HVAC filters.