LaCroix Precision Optics is about to shake things up in Batesville, Arkansas. The company just announced a $13.8 million expansion that’s set to ramp up innovation and create jobs in the region.
This move isn’t just about growth—it’s about keeping the company’s legacy alive as a leader in high-precision optical manufacturing. Decades of expertise and a drive for excellence have gotten LaCroix to this point.
The Strategic Aim: Restoring America’s Critical Supply Chain
What’s really pushing this expansion forward? A 10-year military contract. The goal is to bring a critical supply chain back to the U.S., especially for military tech like navigation systems and advanced targeting.
It’s all part of a bigger push to cut down on foreign reliance and make sure vital components are made right here at home.
How the Expansion Will Transform Operations
LaCroix is putting $13.8 million into 18,750 square feet of new manufacturing space. They’re not just building bigger—they’re bringing in advanced machinery to handle the tight specs that military and high-precision work demand.
With this investment, LaCroix plans to stay ahead in a world where automation and nanotech are changing the game.
- 18,750 square feet: More room for manufacturing and streamlined workflows.
- State-of-the-art equipment: The latest tools to hit military-grade precision and scale up production.
- Focus on military contracts: Helping restore a key supply chain for national security.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
LaCroix Precision Optics has roots going back to 1947, when it started in Chicago. The team’s expertise in making high-precision optical systems—think spherical lenses and prisms—eventually led them to open a Batesville branch in 1966.
By 1976, they made the full move to Arkansas, seeing real potential for growth there.
Milestones in Expansion
Over the years, LaCroix has kept expanding in step with industry needs and new tech. This latest project marks the fifth big expansion in the company’s history.
Looking ahead, there’s already talk of a major addition in 2025 focused on boosting optical assembly capabilities. That’s likely to bring even more opportunities for the company and the local community.
- 1966: Batesville branch established.
- 1976: Full relocation to Batesville.
- 2025: New optical assembly capabilities planned.
The Local Impact: Job Creation and Economic Growth
This expansion isn’t just about machines and square footage. It’s about real people in Batesville and nearby areas.
LaCroix plans to create 107 new jobs, offering solid opportunities for skilled workers in optical manufacturing. That’s a big deal for the local economy and helps keep the community strong and vibrant.
Endorsements from Local Leaders
Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald praised LaCroix’s plans, pointing to the state’s business-friendly environment as a key factor in the company’s growth. AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal also chimed in, saying Arkansas is where “great companies, vibrant communities, and a strong workforce” come together for long-term success.
- 107 jobs: More opportunities for skilled workers in Batesville.
- Economic growth: Boosting the local market and drawing in new talent.
- Community development: Building up the social and economic strength of the region.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth
LaCroix Precision Optics stands out as a place where science and industry really come together. When the company chose to expand in Batesville, it didn’t just secure its own future—it gave Arkansas’s advanced manufacturing scene a real boost.
LaCroix has always had its roots in innovation. Now, with eyes on what’s next, the team keeps pushing the possibilities in optical tech.
Over the next few years, they plan to finish this expansion and roll out new optical assembly capabilities. That should help LaCroix become even more central to both high-precision optics and national security.
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