The approximately 220,000 square meters facility is one of the largest for the EssilorLuxottica Group globally with end-to-end manufacturing capabilities at a single campus for production of ophthalmic lenses to prescription frames, sunglasses and assembly of complete pairs (both lenses and frames). It includes innovative equipment and cross-cutting technologies to integrate automation into manufacturing processes.
State-of-the-art facilities in close proximity with the markets are pivotal to the robustness and agility of the Group's supply-chain, supporting its ability to deal with volume expansion, ensure quality, and promote innovation while addressing the growing visual health needs of consumers with a variety of high-quality eyecare and eyewear, accessible to everyone.
The new facility will complement the Group's existing operations across the APAC region that includes major facilities in Greater China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
The long-term partnership with the Thailand government, its growing talent ecosystem, technology capabilities and policy environment that first attracted our company to Thailand more than 30 years ago has been a key incentive for our continuing investment.
"We are proud to add this brand-new asset to EssilorLuxottica's global industrial footprint. This is a significant step in our commitment to better address the growing global visual health needs through an increasingly integrated, diversified, and geographically balanced footprint. The new facility, which covers the entire value chain, from production to distribution, bringing lenses and frames under the same roof perfectly reflects what EssilorLuxottica is today: a fully integrated Company uniquely positioned to support the growing demand for innovative eyecare and eyewear. Our strategic investment in Thailand is part of a long-term commitment towards growing Thailand's position as a strategic and globally competitive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia," said Norbert Gorny and Giorgio Striano, Co-Chief Operating Officers, EssilorLuxottica.
"As an economic and logistics hub of Asia, Thailand has the talent and infrastructure to innovate, manufacture and commercialize products and solutions for Asia and the world. By tapping on Thailand's deep capabilities in advanced manufacturing technologies, EssilorLuxottica's latest expansion at the Eastern Economic Corridor supports the development of an advanced technology and innovation-driven economy. We look forward to strengthening our long-term partnership with EssilorLuxottica, their continued growth and creating more good job opportunities for Thais." said Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul, Ministry of Industry of Thailand.
EssilorLuxottica is expecting to create over 6,000 new local jobs, within the new facility located in the northwestern part of the Rayong Province, at the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) over the next five years. This includes engineers and other highly skilled positions required to manage advanced manufacturing technologies, the high level of digitalization and automation of processes, as well as sophisticated logistics hub. These are critical factors contributing to national program Thailand 4.0, which focuses on accelerating the growth of innovation and advanced digital technologies.
The new facility will be LEED Gold certified, recognizing the highest standards of sustainability from an environmental, social, economic and health standpoint. It will include solar panels to create renewable energy and advanced systems to minimize water consumption using recycle treatment technologies in line with EssilorLuxottica's "Eyes on the Planet" program which includes a strategic commitment toward carbon neutrality.
EssilorLuxottica has had a strong presence in Thailand since the 1990s. The Group now counts three mass production manufacturing sites and industrial labs, located in Chonburi, Lat Krabang and Rayong, as well as offices and retail stores in Bangkok.
Source: Edelman
