Optics hit by Thai floods

Optical manufacturers have continued to feel the effect of flooding in Thailand.

Lens manufacturer Hoya has been forced to close its Patmanthui operation on staff safety grounds - shortly after shutting its main Rx facility in Ayutthaya.

In response, the manufacturer has increased production capacity in Europe by 50 per cent. Around the clock production is now in place across many of its European labs, and an immediate €15m investment has been pledged to increase product availability. The company said supply issues with European freeform lenses would be resolved shortly.

Martin Batho, managing director of Hoya Lens UK, said: 'We are fully committed to doing everything we can to minimise disruption for our valued customers. Our other Asian facilities in Vietnam and China are taking over some production from Thailand, ensuring that the temporary closure of Patmanthui facility does not affect the supply of stock lenses to the UK market.'