(L to R) Robert Cotran, Ralph Cotran, Richard Cotran and Ronald Cotran have expanded the production capacity at US Optical with the addition of a Satisloh VFT Orbit generator and other equipment.
 
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—US Optical is well prepared for growth in 2016, having recently installed new equipment that can produce an additional 650 jobs per day, bringing the lab’s total capacity to 3,000 jobs per day.

“We have just made a $2 million investment to increase our production capacity and maintain our number one position as the ‘fastest lab in America,’” said Ronald Cotran, co-owner of US Optical.

The lab’s production line has been beefed up with two new free-form generators, a Satisoh VFT Orbit and a Schneider Modulo XT, plus an Mei System Bisphera TBA edger which robotically blocks and checks lenses. US Optical now operates seven free-form surfacing lines and three Bisphera edgers.

“Our new state-of-the-art equipment will increase our production capabilities, enhance our excellent quality and make us even faster,” said US Optical president Robert Cotran.

US Optical has also expanded its selection of lens brands through a recent distribution agreement with Essilor of America to produce Essilor’s full line of Varilux lenses. “We’re finally a one stop shop lens factory with a 24- to 48-hour turnaround,” noted co-owner Ralph Cotran.

US Optical, located in Syracuse, N.Y., is the second largest independent lab in America, with estimated net sale of $38.5 million in 2015, according to Vision Monday’s 2015 Top Labs report.

akarp@jobson.com