CHIHUAHUA, Mexico—EssilorLuxottica announced plans to significantly expand its ophthalmic lens manufacturing operations here. Phase 1 of the project will include an investment of $120 million and nearly 1,000 employees, an EssilorLuxottica spokesperson told VMAIL. “We’re incredibly proud to build on the long history of partnership between EssilorLuxottica and the people of Chihuahua,” said Norbert Gorny, co-COO of EssilorLuxottica. “The opening of our newest facility allows us to capitalize on the expertise of our existing employees and welcome hundreds of new team members to the family, ultimately enabling us to increase capacity and continue delivering the latest optical advancements and eyewear to our customers all over the world.”

Essilor has been operating in Chihuahua for 36 years, and is expanding its footprint here due to increased demand. Similar to its existing facility in Chihuahua, the new expansion will be a high-tech operation, producing semi-finished, ultra high-index lenses which will be sent to select EssilorLuxottica hubs to be transformed into prescription lenses. The facility is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2023, the spokesperson said.