Why the glass is half empty at Pilkington

Pilkington was once a national treasure. From its St. Helens base in England's northwest, it was a pioneer of the world of glassmaking.

Now, that same cradle of innovation is an operational outpost of a disparate Japanese empire.

The Merseyside town is these days better known for its rugby league side rather than its iconic manufacturer, according to a July 1 Daily Mail report.