Essilor lens history

Essel and Silor…

..

Luxottica, EssilorLuxottica

1849, Essel… Paris, France

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1959 progressive lenses?

Strategic merger

Thailand essilor

Key Points

  • Research suggests Essilor has operated in Thailand since at least 2006, with Essilor Distribution (Thailand) Co Ltd leading in optical lens manufacture.
  • It seems likely that they focus on digital integration and innovations like Airwear lenses, which are impact-resistant and eco-friendly.
  • The evidence leans toward Essilor having manufacturing facilities in Ladkrabang Industrial Estate, enhancing their Thai market presence.

Overview
Essilor, a global leader in optical lenses, has a strong presence in Thailand, likely starting around 2006. They are known for manufacturing and distributing lenses, with a focus on digital advancements and sustainable products.

Operations
Essilor Distribution (Thailand) Co Ltd, part of the French Essilor Group, is a key player in Thailand, focusing on digital economy integration under Thailand 4.0. They have manufacturing facilities, including Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., located in the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate.

Innovations
They have introduced innovations like digital dispensing technology and Airwear lenses, which are highly durable, lighter, and offer 100% UV protection, with all production waste recycled for use in automobiles and toys.

Comprehensive Report on Essilor in Thailand

Essilor, a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica and a global leader in prescription lenses, has established a significant operational footprint in Thailand, reflecting its broader mission to enhance vision correction and protection worldwide. This report provides a detailed examination of Essilor’s activities, innovations, and historical presence in Thailand, drawing from various sources to ensure a comprehensive overview.

Historical Context and Establishment

Research suggests that Essilor’s operations in Thailand began at least by 2006, as evidenced by the celebration of Essilor Distribution (Thailand) Co Ltd’s 12th anniversary in 2018 (Essilor Thailand marks anniversary with Centara Grand event). This timeline indicates a long-standing commitment to the Thai market, aligning with Essilor’s global expansion strategy since the 1980s, when it began establishing plants in Asia, including Thailand.

Corporate Structure and Operations

Essilor Distribution (Thailand) Co Ltd is a key entity, part of the Essilor Group based in France, and is recognized as a world leader in the manufacture, assembly, and distribution of optical lenses (Essilor Distribution (Thailand) Co.,Ltd – สมาคมอุตสาหกรรมเทคโนโลยีเครื่องมือแพทย์ไทย). The company is strategically located at TPI Tower, 25th Floor Zone3, No.26/56 Nanglinchee Road, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, with contact details including a telephone number (02-1050280) and email (th-edt-logistic@groups.essilor.com). Key personnel include Srairuks Patjanasuntorn as designate and Pensri Jirayingcharoen as alternate.

Additionally, Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. operates within the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate, 213 Chalongkrung Road, Lam Pla Thio, Lat Krabang, Bangkok 10520, focusing on ophthalmic goods manufacturing (Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Ladkrabang Industrial Est.). This facility underscores Essilor’s commitment to local production, with financial data from 2021 showing a net sales revenue increase of 18.16% and a net profit margin increase of 31.43%, indicating robust growth (Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co Ltd Company Profile – Thailand | Financials & Key Executives | EMIS).

Strategic Focus and Digital Integration

The evidence leans toward Essilor’s strategic alignment with Thailand’s digital economy initiatives, particularly Thailand 4.0, as highlighted during their 12th-anniversary celebrations in 2018. The anniversary event at Centara Grand at Central World emphasized digital economy and society integration, showcasing Essilor’s readiness for the digital era (Essilor Thailand marks anniversary with Centara Grand event). This focus includes adopting digital dispensing technologies that go beyond traditional measurement practices, enhancing lens fitting and dispensing for optimal vision correction.

Innovations and Product Offerings

Essilor has introduced several innovations in Thailand, notably the Airwear lens material, a proprietary polycarbonate resin also used in NASA astronaut visors, computers, car headlights, and helmets. Airwear lenses are highly impact-resistant, virtually unbreakable, lighter than standard plastic lenses, and provide 100% UV protection. A significant environmental aspect is that 100% of the production waste from Airwear lenses is recycled, finding applications in automobiles and toys, reflecting Essilor’s commitment to sustainability (Essilor Thailand marks anniversary with Centara Grand event).

Additionally, Essilor has implemented technology to measure the “physique” of the eyes and eye behavior, enabling the design of optimum lenses for the best vision and frame choice. These innovations were showcased during their anniversary events, underscoring their leadership in vision solutions.

Market Presence and Community Engagement

Essilor’s presence in Thailand is further evidenced by job listings on platforms like Glassdoor, indicating ongoing hiring activities and a workforce of approximately 329 employees at Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co Ltd in 2021 (Essilor Jobs in Thailand | Glassdoor). The company also engages with the community, as seen in their involvement with events and partnerships, such as the anniversary celebration that expressed gratitude to partners and customers.

Challenges and Controversies

A notable incident occurred in 2019, when EssilorLuxottica announced fraudulent financial activities at one of its Thailand plants, estimating a financial impact of up to €190 million before insurance, with legal actions taken to mitigate the impact (Essilor Plant in Thailand | EssilorLuxottica). As of April 27, 2025, no further updates on this issue were found in the search results, suggesting that the matter has likely been resolved, with additional internal controls implemented globally to strengthen security processes.

Summary of Key Milestones

The following table summarizes key milestones for Essilor in Thailand:

YearEventDetails
2006Likely Start of OperationsInferred from 12th anniversary in 2018.
201812th Anniversary CelebrationEvent at Centara Grand, focusing on digital integration and innovations.
2019Fraudulent Activities DiscoveredFinancial impact up to €190 million, legal actions taken, resolved by 2025.
2021Financial GrowthNet sales revenue up 18.16%, net profit margin up 31.43%.

This table encapsulates the evolution of Essilor’s operations in Thailand, highlighting growth, innovation, and challenges.

Conclusion

Essilor’s presence in Thailand is marked by a robust operational framework, innovative product offerings, and a strategic focus on digital transformation. Their commitment to sustainability, as seen in the recycling of Airwear lens waste, and their engagement with the local market through manufacturing and community events, position them as a leader in the Thai optical industry. While past challenges, such as the 2019 fraud incident, have been addressed, Essilor continues to enhance vision correction and protection for the Thai population, aligning with global standards and local economic goals.

Key Citations

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