Specsavers multi-million pound investment in Kidderminster site

Specsavers to boost UK supply chain capacity through multi-million pound investment in Kidderminster site

Specsavers has announced a significant investment in its UK supply chain operations, reinforcing its commitment to outstanding customer service and long-term sustainable growth.

The investment will fund the expansion and upgrade of Specsavers’ Vision Labs manufacturing facility in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, which produces prescription lenses for more than 900 Specsavers practices throughout the UK. The expansion will unlock additional capacity and see the site’s production of bespoke manufactured ophthalmic lenses increase incrementally from 140,000 to more than 170,000 per week upon completion.

The major upgrade – with a total investment of £7 million over a two year period – will see the rollout of new, state-of-the-art technology that will streamline the manufacturing process, making better use of space and materials to enable Specsavers to meet, and get ahead of, rising demand across its growing UK business.

The upgrade is also expected to result in a number of environmental benefits, including more efficient use of electricity, reduced water consumption and a reduction in the site’s overall carbon footprint. Colleagues at the site will also benefit from improved working environments and updated amenities.

Lee Timbrell, Director of European Manufacturing and Distribution Operations at Specsavers, said: “The announcement is an important milestone for Vision Labs and marks an exciting new chapter for the site and its 330-strong team, who work tirelessly to provide the very best service to our practices throughout the UK.

“This investment is a commitment to them, to our customers and to the future of Specsavers in the UK.”

Robert Elliot, Director of Business Engagement and Policy at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Specsavers has a long and proud history in Worcestershire, and we’re delighted to see the business make such a substantial investment in its operations here in Kidderminster.

“This is a real vote of confidence in the local economy and workforce, and we look forward to continued close collaboration with Specsavers as they deliver this exciting next phase of growth.”