Schott Zwiesel, the famed German producer based in one of the world's prime glass-manufacturing centers, has led the glass industry for more than 100 years. The company has many industry "first" to its credit, including the first fully automated production of blown glass stemware in 1967.

In the 1990's as the industry struggled with the environmental issues of lead and heavy metals, the company was the first glassmaker to produce lead-free crystal glass of superb quality and brilliance. Its latest breakthrough is the patentedTritan technique for producing extra-strong crystalline stemware. The process combines a proprietary mix of materials with tempering of vulnerable points to create the most resilient fine stemware in the world.

The companies, though from different backgrounds, share a similar corporate culture. Schott Zwiesel and Fortessa are equally passionate about their work and share comparable objectives and views. Schott Zwiesel is a leading producer of high quality crystalline glassware and Fortessa is a diversified developer and marketer of tableware. The move to create a partnership between the two companies shows a long-term commitment to the development of the Schott Zwiesel brand in the Americas.

Fortessa is an integrated designer, developer, and marketer of high-quality tableware and accessories. For over a decade the company has led the way in tableware with innovative products and industry leading service.