"EssilorLuxottica Explores Manufacturing Expansion Opportunities in India"

Luxury eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica is actively considering the prospect of expanding its manufacturing footprint in India, specifically targeting the production of basic lens castings, as revealed by a senior executive of the company.

Presently, EssilorLuxottica is involved in the coating of RX lenses, commonly referred to as "prescription sunglasses," within India. The eyewear conglomerate operates several renowned brands in the country, including Crizal, Eyezen, Stellest, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Kodak Lens, Nikon, Armani Exchange, Vogue Eyewear, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Miu Miu, and more.

In an interview with businessline, Narasimhan Narayanan, President of EssilorLuxottica South Asia, disclosed ongoing discussions with the group leadership regarding India's potential as a destination for basic manufacturing. This strategic move aligns with initiatives like "Make in India." Narayanan mentioned that the company's CEO has expressed interest in exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.

EssilorLuxottica's current manufacturing operations in India encompass a frame manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, producing brands like Ray-Ban primarily for the domestic market, including the Indian military. Additionally, the company operates over 85 labs in India, focusing on lens coating and producing nearly a million lenses annually.

The company, in response to global myopia challenges, recently introduced Stellest, a myopia control lens designed for children. Acknowledging the significant concern of myopia, EssilorLuxottica anticipates that half of the global population will be myopic by the year 2050. The potential manufacturing expansion in India signifies EssilorLuxottica's commitment to addressing evolving eyewear needs and contributing to the growth of the Indian market.

HBL