Innovation spurs growth at Oakley

Electronic advances at Oakley have driven its 2004 results to record levels, the company reported this week. Its success looks set to continue as it unveiled wireless hands-free mobile phone technology in collaboration with Motorola.

Sales of the Thump sunglass-cum-MP3-player in the run up to Christmas and Oakley's continued supply of eyewear to the US Army helped push sales for 2004 up 10.9 per cent to $586m. Net profits grew 8.9 per cent to $41.6m.

This week Oakley and Motorola launched the RazrWire sunglass which allows the wearer to operate their mobile phone hands-free. Not expected to be available until the second half of the year, the RazrWire will be available in three colours. It has been developed to meet the needs of active consumers who seek a hands-free mobile phone connection while on the move. The frame is made of Oakley's proprietary O-luminium alloy and the lenses feature its patented XYZ optics.

The product is expected to be available from a variety of retail outlets, including opticians.

Chairman and chief executive Jim Jannard said: 'Our successful launch of Oakley Thump and our new joint product development relationship with Motorola dramatically expand the future potential for Oakley products.

'In addition, our expanded relationship with the US Army further validates the critical performance capabilities of our product inventions. The Oakley brand may be in its 30th year, but its best years are still ahead.'

Sales outside the US fared less well, with Europe among those regions seeing a sales decline, although the UK posted 'strong' results. Prescription eyewear sales worldwide increased 11.9 per cent to $47.8m.