(KPL) EssilorLuxottica has inaugurated its second manufacturing facility at Essilor Lao Company Ltd. (ELCL) in Savannakhet, Laos. This expansion strengthens the Group’s strategy to grow its operational footprint across the Asia-Pacific region and address the increasing global demand for vision care.

EssilorLuxottica has maintained a strong presence in Laos since 2013, when it established ELCL’s first manufacturing plant in Savannakhet. For over a decade, ELCL has consistently delivered high-quality polycarbonate lenses, positioning itself as a vital part of the Group’s global supply chain.

The expansion establishes the site as a center of excellence for both semi-finished and finished polycarbonate lens production, further reinforcing Laos' role as a strategic manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

Covering 8,000 square meters, the new facility will double ELCL’s current production capacity, enabling it to produce over 56 million lenses annually at full scale. The Laos plants work synergistically with EssilorLuxottica’s long-established production hub in Bangkok, Thailand, which has served as a major center for frame and lens manufacturing since 2000. Teams from Laos receive training in Bangkok to ensure alignment in quality and efficiency.

Located in the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone, the site benefits from significant logistical advantages, including efficient road and air transport, making it a key enabler of the Group’s long-term growth in the region.

“Our global operations network is essential to the development of the Group,” said Davide Schinetti, Chief Operating Officer at EssilorLuxottica. “Our continued investment in Laos aligns with our broader strategy to reinforce a well-balanced and diversified global operations footprint. This expansion strengthens our supply chain agility to meet growing market needs, enabling volume growth without compromising quality, as we continue to innovate in service of eyecare professionals and consumers.”

The new facility will create 400 additional jobs, bringing total employment at ELCL to 750. New roles will span engineering, quality management, supply chain, environmental and safety management, and logistics. These positions are expected to enhance local technical expertise and contribute to the Lao economy through job creation and technology transfer. Since 2014, EssilorLuxottica has operated a vocational training center in Savannakhet, helping local workers acquire skills aligned with modern industrial needs.

“As a growing player in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos enjoys vibrant cross-border cooperation, increasing connectivity, and the infrastructure needed to serve as a vital transportation link for ASEAN and China,” said Mr. Bountherng Duangsavanh, Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR. “The expansion of EssilorLuxottica’s facility enhances Laos’ attractiveness for high-quality foreign investment and creates valuable opportunities for the local population. We welcome the Group’s continued growth and its contribution to strengthening our manufacturing sector and generating meaningful employment.”

The facility’s environmental design and operational practices reflect EssilorLuxottica’s “Eyes on the Planet” sustainability program, which integrates the Group’s mission, sustainability objectives, and business strategy. Through this approach, EssilorLuxottica aims to lead the optical industry toward a more sustainable future while delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.

The new facility is designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, placing the company at the forefront of sustainable industrial development. It features a range of green initiatives, including energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and water conservation technologies. These measures help reduce the plant’s carbon footprint while supporting cost-effective operations.

The company’s impact extends beyond manufacturing. Through the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, vision screenings and eyeglasses have been provided to underserved communities in Savannakhet, Khammouane Province, Pakse, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Vientiane Province, and Vientiane Capital. The program has also supported EssilorLuxottica employees and their families. To date, more than 70,000 Lao people have received free vision correction through the Foundation’s efforts.

KPL