Sept. 14, 2020 — Luxottica Group has repurposed a part of its factory in Orange County, CA, to supply face shields to meet the growing demand for protective coverage amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 550,000-square-foot facility in the Foothill Ranch neighborhood typically produces thousands of units of Oakley eyewear and goggles each day, shares Luxottica. The company refocused personnel and operations to build face shields alongside existing product. The donation of 140,000 face shields to frontline workers in hospitals around the country is already underway, as Luxottica and its brands including Oakley and Costa have donated tens of thousands of protective eyewear, goggles, and masks to hospitals and other institutions in areas where it has a large presence including Southern California, New York, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and South Florida. The company also provided masks to thousands of its wholesale customers across North America.
“We have seen the best of humanity over the past few months in our communities and among our own employees at Luxottica,” says Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of Luxottica Wholesale North America. “But the reality is the virus isn’t going to disappear in the short term and the need for protection remains critical. As we look to do our part, it’s clear we have the capacity, resources, and talent to make a real impact, starting with our strong suit—designing and manufacturing the highest quality eyewear.”
The Oakely Face Shields are constructed of Polycarbonate, acetate, PET, or APET. Compatible with N95 respirator masks and protective eyewear, the shields meet ANSI Z87.1 standards for protection against droplets.
The Foothill Ranch facility has been modified with additional health and safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols, a redesigned layout to accommodate social and physical distancing, and mandated the use of company issued face masks by employees.
To learn more about Luxottica's strategic navigation of the Covid-19 crisis, including key programs and actionable offerings, head here.