CHICAGO—American frame-making is back. Europa International is producing its first collection, STATE Optical Co., from its new American-based Independent Eyewear Manufacturing (IEM) factory, located here. Europa announced its intention to build a new, functional factory one year ago, when the company announced the acquisition of American made eyewear brands, Frieze Frames and Anvi Frieze.

The company said, “STATE is designed for fiercely independent thinkers,” citing Marc Franchi and Jason Stanley, formerly of Frieze, who built and now head the new IEM factory.

Europa added, “STATE is more than the name of the brand, it speaks to our state of mind, advancing the state of the industry, and of course, the state we’re proud to call home. The 21 dots in the logo refer to Illinois, home to Europa and IEM, the 21st state of the union. Beyond bringing jobs back to the U.S., it affords Europa tighter quality and inventory control that should be expected from premium eyewear.”

The company is now hosting and taking reservations for factory tours to those who are interested in learning how zyl frames are made. Details are posted at www.stateopticalco.com. The collection will launch at Vision Expo West this month.

Read more about the factory, see additional photos and learn about the new vision for IEM and STATE in the Sept 15 issue of 20/20, in a special exclusive tour and story by 20/20’s James Spina, editor-in-chief.

IEM’s Jason Stanley, far left, and Marc Franchi, (r), with Europa’s Scott Shapiro, (c). The brand new facility is currently producing zyl frames for STATE, the new collection.

STATE’s signature 21-dot logo, on the endpiece here, refers to Illinois as the 21st state of the union. From the sheet material to tumbling and polishing, the new facility is up and running.