MINNEAPOLIS—Spectacle lens technology company IOT has opened an office in Minneapolis to accommodate its growing presence in the U.S. optical industry. The space will house sales and marketing staff initially, with room for additional employees as needed, the company said in a statement. The office will serve as a gathering place for IOT events and education and as a hub for broader optical meetings and training opportunities. “We envision our office as a regional center for sharing industry information and innovation,” said Tina Lahti, vice president of sales and marketing at IOT, shown here at the Minneapolis office.

“Our company’s academic roots continue to shape how we interact with our customers and peers. Education is an important part of the value we bring to our partners.”

IOT is an international company with offices in Los Angeles, California and Madrid, Spain. IOT began offering lens designs in 2005 and has grown to serve more than 400 partners in 69 countries, supporting the production of 35 million lenses annually, according to the company.

The Minneapolis office is in the Designers Guild building in the city’s North Loop District, an area known for its shops, restaurants, clubs, and proximity to the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium.