Eyewear maker Luxottica closes Winnipeg plant
May 29, 2014
By The Canadian Press
Eyeglass manufacturing giant Luxottica has confirmed it is closing its Winnipeg lens-making operation that serviced a substantial portion of the Canadian market.
The Italy-based company behind such retail banners LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglass Hut among others, and the maker of more than two dozen brands including Ray-Ban, DKNY, Chanel, Prada, Versace and Ralph Lauren, gave few details about the closure in an email response to questions.
“Luxottica regularly reviews in-store labs and manufacturing facilities to drive efficiency and maximize resources across its manufacturing network,” the company said. “As a result of the most recent review, Luxottica has made the difficult decision to close its Winnipeg manufacturing facility in Canada on May 29, 2014.”
When asked how many employees would lose their jobs, it said that “as a general practice, Luxottica does not disclose numbers regarding associates.”
However, the Winnipeg Free Press put the number at about 200.
Meanwhile, Luxottica said Canadian production would continue through its partner distribution facility in Toronto, as well as U.S. facilities.
