(From left to right) Mr Daovone Phachanthavong, Mr Seansack Soulisack, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh, Mr Thierry Leclerc, and Ms Siv-Leng Chhuor cut the ribbon to inaugurate the factory.

EssilorLuxottica expands manufacturing presence in Laos to support regional market growth

EssilorLuxottica, a leading global ophthalmic lens manufacturer, on June 11 opened its second manufacturing facility at Essilor Lao Company Ltd. (ELCL) in Savannakhet province, Laos.
The facility reinforces the Group’s strategy to expand its operations’ footprint across the Asia-Pacific region to meet the growing vision care needs of people across the world. 

EssilorLuxottica has had a strong presence in Laos since 2013, when ELCL’s first manufacturing plant in Savannakhet province was established.
For over a decade, ELCL has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality polycarbonate lenses in the region.
The expansion of the facility positions it as the Group’s centre of excellence for both semi-finished and finished polycarbonate lens production, further aligning with Laos’ growing role as a strategic manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.
 At 8,000 sqare metres, the second facility will double ELCL’s current production capacity, enabling production of over 56 million lenses annually when at full capacity.
The plants benefit from synergies with EssilorLuxottica’s production facilities in Bangkok, Thailand, the Group’s hub for mass production of frames and lenses since 2000, where teams from Laos have been trained.
The Savannakhet Special Economic Zone, which offers significant logistical advantages due to efficient road and air transport links, is key for the Group’s long-term growth.

“Our global operations network is key to supporting the development of the Group,” said Chief Operating Officer at EssilorLuxottica, Davide Schinetti.
“Our continued investment in Laos aligns with our broader strategy to reinforce our well balanced and diversified global operations footprint. The aim is to strengthen our supply chain and agility to address growing market needs by delivering volume growth while maintaining quality as we keep driving innovation to serve our eyecare professionals and consumers better.”
The new facility will employ an additional 400 people, totalling 750 people across both facilities.
With new positions in engineering, quality management, supply chain, environment and safety, and logistics, these roles will support the growth of Laos’ skilled workforce, enhancing both technical expertise and the local economy through job creation and technology transfer.
Since 2014, EssilorLuxottica has also established a vocational training centre in Savannakhet which aims to help local workers develop skills appropriate to new industrial needs.
“As a growing player in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos has vibrant cross-border cooperation, growing connectivity, and the right infrastructure that makes it an important land link for ASEAN and China. The expansion of EssilorLuxottica’s facility strengthens Laos’ position as a destination for high-quality foreign investment, providing valuable opportunities for the local population,” Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh, said when addressing the inauguration ceremony.
“We look forward to EssilorLuxottica’s continued growth and strengthening our manufacturing industrial capabilities as well as generating valuable employment opportunities for the people of Laos,” he added.
Other dignitaries attending the ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Savannakhet province, Mr Seansack Soulisack; French Ambassador to Laos, Ms Siv-Leng Chhuor; and Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Daovone Phachanthavong; Head of Group Lens Mass Production, EssilorLuxottica, Mr Thierry Leclerc.
Ongoing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility 
The facility’s environmental design and operations are integral components of EssilorLuxottica’s “Eyes on the Planet” sustainability programme, which demonstrate how the Group’s mission, sustainability goals, and business strategy are fundamentally intertwined. Through this holistic approach, EssilorLuxottica continues to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future while delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.
The new facility will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified, positioning EssilorLuxottica at the forefront of sustainable industrial development.
Designed to minimise environmental impacts, the facility features comprehensive green solutions including energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and water conservation measures to reduce carbon footprint.
This clean energy mix enables ELCL to lower its environmental footprint while maintaining cost-effective operations.
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation in Laos has been extending its social impact by offering eye screenings as well as eyeglasses to local communities in need in the provinces of Savannakhet, Khammuan, Champassak’s Pakxe, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Vientiane province, the capital Vientiane, and to EssilorLuxottica employees and their families.
Over 70,000 Lao people in the community have been assisted with free vision correction.
About EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of advanced vision care products, eyewear and med-tech solutions. EssilorLuxottica is home to the most innovative lens technologies, including Varilux, Stellest and Transitions, iconic brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Supreme, the most desired luxury licensed brands, and world-class retailers including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Vision Express and Apollo. With over 200,000 employees across 150 countries, 600 operations facilities and 18,000 stores, the Group generated consolidated revenue of euro 26.5 billion in 2024. Its OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has given access to sustainable vision care to nearly 1 billion people in underserved communities. EssilorLuxottica trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 12, 2025)