Luxottica breaks ground with new lens labs

Italian optical frames group Luxottica has started construction of three new laboratories for the production of ophthalmic lenses.

The labs will use advanced technology and sophisticated automation systems, the company announced in a financial update this week.

‘Operating these labs within the group’s main distribution centres will allow the company to integrate lenses and frames at the right phase of the cycle, optimising the level of service for its optical retail brands,’ a group statement said.

Luxottica’s net sales improved 2.5% for the first quarter of the year to reach €2.3bn, with retail sales increasing 4.8% to €1.3bn. European sales climbed 2.3% during Q1 driven by double-digit same-store sales for Sunglass Hut, but the Italian company said that France and the UK sales results were less strong due to lower tourism flows into these countries as a result of terrorism fears.