Meet our Founder and CEO, Cynthia Andela

Cynthia Andela is the Founder and CEO of Andela Products, a leader in glass recycling technology. Since founding the company over 25 years ago, she has inspired businesses and communities around the world turn their waste glass into valuable resources. Under her leadership, Andela Products has become a trusted name in the industry, providing cutting-edge equipment design that supports sustainable recycling solutions.

In 2013, Cynthia Andela founded Ruby Lake Glass, LLC, expanding her vision for sustainable glass recycling. Building on expertise in glass reduction technology, she developed a proprietary process for color-coating recycled glass. Her innovation created new possibilities for using recycled glass in road safety markings, landscaping, polished concrete, and specialty coatings, combining durability with vibrant color and texture.

Cyndy Andela headshot

Cynthia Andela

Founder and CEO, Andela Products and Ruby Lake Glass

About Cynthia

Education

  • RPI Lally School of Management, MBA Business Management
  • University of Michigan College of Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering
  • Calvin University, Bachelor of Science

Career Highlights

  • Andela Products, Founder and CEO
  • Ruby Lake Glass, Founder and Managing Partner
  • General Electric, Industrial Engineer to Product Line Production Manager

University Associations

Community Involvement

  • Rotary International
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Community Foundation of Otsego County
  • Richfield Springs Community Center
  • Trinity CRC Church
  • Canadarago Lake Improvement Association
  • Otsego County Conservation Association

AKA “The Glass Lady”

Articles and Interviews

FAST COMPANY, This Simple Machine Turns Glass Bottles Into Sand

WASTE 360, A Kick In The Glass Or Potential Profit? Cost Benefit of Recycling Glass

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, Turning Wine Bottles Back Into Sand

Beth Milano, IoT Solutions Consultant , Cynthia Andela CHANGE AGENT

Podcasts & Videos

CNY Business Journal Interview

CNYBJ conducts a short interview with Cynthia to give a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of a business passionate about environmental change.

The Frictionless Supply Chain Podcast

CNYBJ conducts a short interview with Cynthia to give a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of a business passionate about environmental change.

Insights to Circularity on Glass Recycling

Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center conducts an hour-long interview with Cynthia and her unique technology for processing glass and provides creative solutions for all types of scrap glass reduction and separation.

The WAM Podcast

Cynthia Andela talks about striking out on her own to become an entrepreneur and leaving the comfort of her corporate career, how she was able to find a specific niche in glass recycling and processing, and the machinery her company designs and why Andela chose to keep their manufacturing entirely based in America.

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