Essilor marks 40 years of manufacturing in Thornbury

Essilor marked 40 years of manufacturing in Thornbury recently with a special visit from progressive lens inventor Bernard Maitenaz and other Essilor executives who had been instrumental in the company’s time at the plant.

Maitenaz was joined by former Essilor UK director of medical and professional affairs Marc Alexandre, who built the Varilux brand in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s. The pair shared their experiences of their time with the company during the early days of Varilux and the challenges posed by the UK optical profession at the time. Maitenaz was also made an honorary member of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians, while Alexandre received a special recognition award from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. Both received recognition awards from Essilor.