EssilorLuxottica: Global Expansion To Meet Eyecare Needs

The global demand for glasses is rising as we see an increase in population growth, ageing demographics and the rise of digital, screen-based technologies. 

While technology has been a net positive for humanity, it has had concerning impacts on our health and bodies. There are established associations between internet usage during leisure time and sedentary behaviour and obesity in children and adults, for example. 

It is no wonder, when people spend an average of six hours and 40 minutes per day staring at screens, that the World Economic Forum says 4.8 billion people- almost half of the world’s population- will need glasses by 2050.

Rising to meet these expanding eye care needs is one of the biggest glasses manufacturers in the world- EssilorLuxottica.

Essilor and Luxottica were brought together in 2018, to bring glasses frames and lenses under one roof. Together they have been establishing a manufacturing footprint that spans the globe, from Thailand to Mexico. 

Here’s a rundown of the brand’s facilities and how they’re advancing global eyecare needs.

Thailand: The Rayong facility

In Thailand, EssilorLuxottica’s Rayong facility spans 220,000m² and is one of the group’s largest manufacturing sites and includes an integrated distribution centre to serve the Asia-Pacific region and global operations.

Last year, the company also opened a new ophthalmic lenses and frames manufacturing plant within the Rayong complex.

This cutting-edge facility covers 120,000m² and incorporates innovative equipment and technologies that enhance automation throughout the manufacturing processes.

It offers full manufacturing capabilities on a single campus, producing everything from ophthalmic lenses to prescription frames, sunglasses and fully assembled pairs.

The facility is designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability, with plans to achieve LEED Gold certification. This includes the installation of solar panels for renewable energy and advanced systems to reduce water consumption through recycling technologies.

Additionally, the site houses an integrated distribution centre to support the company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Mexico: The Tijuana facility

In Mexico, the Tijuana facility is set to become a pivotal player in the company's global operations, with an anticipated annual production increase of 10 million optical lenses and the capacity to handle up to 25 million frames.

This expansion is not only aimed at meeting local demand but also plays a crucial role in supporting EssilorLuxottica’s global supply chain and international market needs.

The Tijuana plant, operational since November 2023, focuses on high-index lenses and represents a significant step in the company's global expansion strategy. By utilising smart factory technologies, it enhances safety, reduces waste, and maintains high standards of product quality, thereby aligning with international best practices.

Its long-standing presence in Tijuana, beginning with the establishment of the first SOFI plant in 1985, has now been bolstered by this new investment in 2023.

The new facility, dedicated to the mass production of semi-finished ultra-high index lenses, integrates advanced automation and intelligent manufacturing systems. This not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens the the company's global production capabilities, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality products to meet rising international demand.

“We are continuing to realise EssilorLuxottica’s vision to produce extraordinary results in the market alongside major sustainability initiatives and investments to ensure an ethical and responsible approach," comments Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, on the expansion of the company's manufacturing operations. 

"Today, we mark another key step to keep improving our energy efficiency globally while supporting our goal to become carbon neutral in our direct operations around the world by next year, as outlined in our Eyes on the Planet corporate sustainability program."

France: The laboratory in Paris

The Excellence Laboratory in Greater Paris, which opened in early 2024, signifies a €40m investment and will serve as a cornerstone of EssilorLuxottica’s global expansion strategy.

This facility will centralise operations from multiple French sites—Antony, Vaulx-en-Velin, and Le Mans—alongside distribution activities from Châlons-en-Champagne and mounting activities from Toulouse.

By consolidating these diverse operations into one cutting-edge facility, EssilorLuxottica aims to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen its global market presence. The new laboratory, equipped with an advanced showroom, is designed to set a new standard in the optical industry, serving as a global reference point for innovation and quality.

This facility reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the needs of an increasingly competitive and dynamic global market.

The Excellence Laboratory will support EssilorLuxottica’s strategy to reinforce its position as a leader in the optical sector by streamlining its operations and showcasing its dedication to high standards on a worldwide scale.

EssilorLuxottica’s digital transformation

EssilorLuxottica has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation, significantly enhancing its global operations through substantial investments in automation and advanced software capabilities.

This initiative aims to boost manufacturing efficiency while simultaneously reducing the company's environmental footprint.

A key aspect of this transformation is the company’s focus on developing smart eyewear technologies, exemplified by the introduction of the Ray-Ban Meta. This innovative product represents a leap forward in integrating digital technology with eyewear.

The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its achievements within the industry; most of its ophthalmic lens manufacturing facilities have attained ISO 13485 certification, a rigorous quality standard for medical devices. This certification highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards in its manufacturing processes.

Additionally, the launch of the Varilux XR series lenses, which are powered by artificial intelligence, showcases EssilorLuxottica’s dedication to innovation.

The lenses are supported by upgraded optical controlling equipment designed to ensure exceptional precision and quality, reflecting the company’s focus on leveraging AI to enhance product performance.

As the global eyewear market continues to expand, EssilorLuxottica remains at the forefront of embracing emerging technologies and scaling its manufacturing capabilities. This ongoing commitment to digital transformation and technological advancement positions the company as a leader in the evolving landscape of eyewear and vision care.

****** 

Make sure you check out the latest edition of Manufacturing Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Procurement & Supply Chain 2024 & Sustainability LIVE 2024
******
Manufacturing Digital is a BizClik brand.