Essilor to produce Lao lenses for worldwide export
Essilor to produce Lao lenses for worldwide export
Essilor Lao Company Limited plans to produce 15 million optical lenses per year to export to a distribution centre in Thailand for its customers worldwide after opening a new factory last week.
Savannakhet Provincial Governor Dr Souphanh Keomixay expressed his thanks to the company for not only bringing investment but also technical knowhow to the Lao people. He also congratulated the company for being a model of international investment in Laos, in particular Savannakhet province.
The factory's opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, senior officials along with representatives from the company and associated organisations.
Dr Souphanh said he strongly believed the company's decision to invest in Savannakhet would be a key contributor to the economic development of the province and it would also add to poverty eradication efforts of the government and help the country graduate out of the list of least developed countries by 2020.
After several years of intensive studies to establish the latest factory of Essilor International, the world leader in ophthalmic lenses, Laos became the best choice.
In February 2012, the Essilor Lao project was started. Under the leadership of Project Director Mr Gerard Malledent, the introduction by Managing Director of JP Investments Jean Pierre Grzelczyk, and with the encouragement of Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Essilor decided to invest in Zone C Savan-SENO Special Economic Zone, also known as Savan Park.
The first land survey was in March 2012, and six hectares was selected in the month after Essilor registered in August 2012. Factory construction started in March 2013, plant machinery installation started in August 2013, and the first trial lens were manufactured in October 2013, with production beginning in December last year.
A total staff of 300 people will be employed when the factory reaches full production capacity.
The Chief Executive of Savan SENO S pecial Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) Mr Bouakham Sisoulath congratulated Paul du Saillant Chief Operating Officer of Essilor International on their decision to construct their world leading lens manufacturing factory in the Savan SENO Special Economic Zone.
Mr Bouakham said the establishment of the Essilor Factory was an important part of the development of the Savan SENO Special Economic Zone. It is also represents a good example for other companies from France and other countries to invest in the zone.
He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Lao National Committee for Special Economic Zones (NCSEZ) Somsavat Lengsavad for his continued leadership and guidance.
Mr Bouakham said he would like to request all government agencies to work together with the Special Economic Zone management to create a sound investment environment for Essilor Lao Company Limited so its can run its business operation smoothly.
Savannakhet province is the largest province in the Laos, with the highest population of any province and an average annual economic growth rate of 12 percent.
The province also lies on the main East—West transportation corridor between Vietnam and Thailand.
vientiane times
