Vision-Ease buys Thailand factory

Ramsey, MN-Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of ophthalmic lenses, is purchasing a cast resin factory in Bangkok, Thailand, from Indelor Lens Co. Ltd. (INDO). The companies expect to finalize the transaction in June after governmental approvals and other conditions to closing are satisfied.

VEL officials said that the company is buying the plant to expand its ability to manufacture advanced technology and specialty cast resin products. The factory also will continue to manufacture and supply existing proprietary lenses to INDO.

“Having additional manufacturing capability and space is crucial to maintaining supply and quickly introducing new technologies to our customers as we continue to expand our premium polarized, photochromic, and progressive offerings into new materials that our customers demand,” said Douglas Hepper, chief executive officer of VEL.

The casting facility, built in 2004 to European standards, has more than 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space. VEL officials said that the company plans to keep the plant’s current employees and will integrate existing operations with VEL engineering, quality, and manufacturing processes. The acquisition of the Thai facility will not alter production at either of the company’s existing polycarbonate and glass manufacturing operations in Ramsey, MN, and Jakarta, Indonesia, according to VEL.