A COMPANY that produces prescription lenses has invested £500,000 into new technology at its Thornbury-based laboratory.

Essilor will now be able to produce more complex lenses and a wider range of products for their customers.

The new technology will mean that more lenses will be produced each hour, with the faster turnout meaning that customers receive their products more quickly.

Randeep Gill, commercial director at Essilor Ltd and Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison celebrated the invsetment at a launch event on Monday, June 5.

He said: “This investment keeps our service quality high, maintains the lab as centre of excellence and demonstrates our commitment to local production.”

The new technology will help the lab embrace sustainability, as the equipment uses significantly less water than the previous technology.

Sun wrap frames, which go over a person's glasses to protect their eyes from the sun, will also be completed on site for the first time. 

Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison said that it was a "pleasure" to be a part of such an important day for the company.

“Essilor is recognised as an excellent employer in the town and engaging in the community," she said. 

"Thank you for all you do for Thornbury.”

The Essilor lab was set up in 1974 and transformed into a centre of excellence for independents in July 2013.

The company currently employs 350 staff at its Thornbury site and creates 25 new jobs each year.