Savannakhet: EssilorLuxottica has inaugurated its second manufacturing facility at Essilor Lao Company Ltd. (ELCL) in Savannakhet, Laos. This expansion strengthens the Group’s strategy to grow its operational footprint across the Asia-Pacific region and address the increasing global demand for vision care.
According to Lao News Agency, EssilorLuxottica has maintained a strong presence in Laos since 2013, when it established ELCL’s first manufacturing plant in Savannakhet. For over a decade, ELCL has consistently delivered polycarbonate lenses, positioning itself as a vital part of the Group’s global supply chain.
The expansion establishes the site as a center of excellence for both semi-finished and finished polycarbonate lens production, further reinforcing Laos’ role as a strategic manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. Covering 8,000 square meters, the new facility will double ELCL’s current production capacity, enabling it to produce over 56 million lenses annually at full scale.
The Laos plants work synergistically with EssilorLuxottica’s long-established production hub in Bangkok, Thailand, which has served as a major center for frame and lens manufacturing since 2000. Teams from Laos receive training in Bangkok to ensure alignment in quality and efficiency. Located in the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone, the site benefits from logistical advantages, including road and air transport, supporting the Group’s long-term growth in the region.
Davide Schinetti, Chief Operating Officer at EssilorLuxottica, emphasized the importance of the global operations network in the Group’s development. He stated that continued investment in Laos aligns with a broader strategy to reinforce a diversified global operations footprint. This expansion aims to strengthen supply chain agility to meet growing market needs while maintaining quality.
The new facility will create 400 additional jobs, bringing total employment at ELCL to 750. New roles will span engineering, quality management, supply chain, environmental and safety management, and logistics. These positions are expected to enhance local technical expertise and contribute to the Lao economy through job creation and technology transfer. Since 2014, EssilorLuxottica has operated a vocational training center in Savannakhet, helping workers acquire skills aligned with modern industrial needs.
Mr. Bountherng Duangsavanh, Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, noted that Laos is a growing player in Southeast Asia with increasing connectivity and infrastructure to serve as a transportation link for ASEAN and China. He welcomed the facility’s expansion, highlighting its potential to enhance Laos’ attractiveness for foreign investment and create valuable opportunities for the local population.
The facility’s environmental design and operational practices reflect EssilorLuxottica’s ‘Eyes on the Planet’ sustainability program. The new facility is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, featuring energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and water conservation technologies. These measures help reduce the plant’s carbon footprint while supporting cost-effective operations.
Beyond manufacturing, the company has impacted local communities through the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, providing vision screenings and eyeglasses to underserved areas in Laos. To date, more than 70,000 Lao people have received free vision correction through the Foundation’s efforts.