Augustus H. Heisey chose Newark, Ohio, because the Newark Board of Trade was actively seeking industry, natural gas was abundant nearby, and low-cost labor was available. Construction of the factory at 301 Oakwood Avenue began in 1895, and it opened in April 1896. The factory employed nearly 700 people. Demand for the fine glassware was great, and Heisey sold it all over the world. In 1972, the National Heisey Glass Museum was established in Newark to display and promote the study of the products of the A.H. Heisey and Company, which operated from 1896 to 1957.