Industry Sector
Essilor celebrates 50 years of lens manufacturing
Essilor celebrates 50 years of lens manufacturing
Staff at Essilor’s Thornbury-based centre of excellence recently celebrated 50 years of optical lens manufacturing at the site.
Closing for four hours on 4th July, more than 300 employees celebrated in style, holding an American themed party with entertainment, games, food and of course a birthday cake for all to enjoy.
Established in 1974, the site has been a major employer in the area over the years using state-of-the art manufacturing to produce 750,000 lenses a year for global brands such as Essilor® Stellest® lenses, Eyezen® and Varilux® and Crizal®.
Tim Precious, commercial general manager at EssilorLuxottica spoke of Essilor’s proud heritage for both Thornbury, and the optical industry, and the achievements of reaching such a significant milestone.
Tim said: “We are grateful to have such a loyal workforce here who form the backbone of our operation and want to take this opportunity to thank them.
“As a manufacturer for premium brands, we’ve focussed our attention over the years on the quality of products produced and the service we provide to independent optical practices.
“Considerable changes have taken place over the past decade, and we’ve invested heavily in new technology to help maintain the lab as a centre of excellence for lens production.
“We now run a process in surfacing that cuts out the use of alloy completely, making lens production a much more sustainable process. We also recycle all the water used in surfacing while ECO kits have been installed on our pumping systems in the vacuum chambers to reduce our carbon footprint.
“In addition, we’ve expanded the lab’s glazing facility with the recent installation of a new automated line, which is now fully operational.”
“Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in our workforce, the latest technology in terms of manufacturing processes and environmental enhancements, and look forward to seeing what the next 50 years bring.”
