The future looks clear as lens manufacture Optimum celebrates its 15th anniversary

Morecambe-based Optimum Coatings is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The company, based at the White Lund Industrial Estate, is a leading manufacturer of lenses and one of the fastest growing and most successful independent optical laboratories in the UK.

Optimum was founded in 2001 with the aim of providing specialist lens services, such as mirrored and anti-reflective coatings, for lens laboratories. However the company faced challenges during the recession and in 2010 Paul Bailey, of financial consultancy Master Objective, was approached to assist the company.

It was apparent to Paul that Optimum had a great service offering and a skilled workforce, and that the business should be saved. He agreed to buy Optimum and take over as Managing Director. His rescue strategy, together with the support and dedication of the company’s employees, has now transformed the business’ fortunes.

2016 promises to be the most successful in Optimum’s trading history. So far this year, sales are up 94 per cent on 2015; ten new team members have been recruited; and production will move from 18 hour to 24 hour operations by the end of June. In addition, the company has invested £450,000 in a new production facility to enable it to keep up with customer demand.

Paul Bailey said: “We had a difficult couple of years when I first took over, but the team pulled together and I’m proud to say we’re now one of the country’s leading manufacturers of ophthalmic lenses and providers of specialist coating services. Our highly trained technicians are using some of the most advanced processes and equipment available today. “In 2010 we had just 16 employees and now we have a team of 42 people. I can see no reason why we won’t continue to grow and hopefully go on to make Lancashire a centre of manufacturing excellence for the optical industry.”