Lenstec considers restructure

Lenstec Optical Group has revealed plans to close its site in Rawdon, Leeds, citing declines in the High Street and the independent practice market.

The optical supplier, part of the Essilor Group, has entered a period of consultation with staff at the Rawdon site, with around 21 positions at risk of redundancy.

On the announcement, Nigel Castle, managing director for Lenstec, explained: “Many household names have disappeared from the High Street in recent periods as more and more consumer activity is conducted online.”

Meanwhile, the independent practice market share has declined, Castle said, “due to economic downturn, increased competition, consolidation and pressure from online retailers.”

“Therefore, given the independent optician is a core focus and currently served from multiple sites, we have proposed to simplify our footprint to better meet their needs,” he concluded.

Affected staff will be supported through the consultation period, including in applying for opportunities within the other Lenstec Group locations.

The company will consult its customer base of independent practices on any changes that might affect them.

The Rawdon site forms one of several optical laboratories Lenstec operates in the UK, alongside Caerphilly in South Wales and Tant in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire.

EssilorLuxottica received clearance from the UK Competitions and Markets Authority to acquire the full Lenstec business last year, having acquired a minority shareholding through Shamir in 2016.