Menicon Realizes Bold Vision in the Netherlands
- New European hub for contact lens business opens in Emmen, NL
- Strikingly transparent 4,675m2 facility with superior environmental performance
- Opening marks successful integration of NKL with Menicon
In cutting the opening ribbon, Menicon CEO Hidenari Tanaka was assisted by Mr. Cees Bijl (Mayor of Emmen) and Mr. Yutaka Kikuta (Minister of Japan’s embassy in the Netherlands). Addressing the 120 invited guests, Dr. Tanaka noted that the realization of this new facility marks the successful integration of Menicon and NKL, which had been a “formidable competitor” prior to its acquisition by Menicon in 2006.
“Since then we have achieved great synergistic results throughout Europe,” Tanaka said. “Now, this magnificent facility embodies the promise of even greater future accomplishments in the region.”
In keeping with its dedication to clear vision for people across the continent, the new glass-clad structure is remarkably transparent. And the glass cladding is equally remarkable for its environmental performance: adjustably admitting abundant natural light, yet well insulated against cold and heat. Other structural features, such as groundwater heat pumps and an innovative approach to harvesting waste heat from climate control, contribute to power consumption 45 percent lower than comparable conventional structures. This translates into a 35 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, consistent with norms under the European Sustainability Programme. What is more, this eco-achievement is in line with Menicon’s own 2009 commitment “To be a world enterprise that is friendly to people, animals, and the environment”.
The new facility produces, made-to-order, both Rigid Gas Permeable (hard) and soft lenses that will be distributed (along with other Menicon products, such as disposable lenses and lens care supplies) Europe-wide by an on-site warehouse and logistics center.
Meanwhile upstairs, researchers are working on innovative lens designs, efficient production processes and the next generation of Easyfit software to support contact lens fitters all over the world. With an eye to possible future expansion, the structure has been built at the front of the 13,000 square-meter site, leaving room for another building as needed.
About Menicon
Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, and represented in over 80 countries, Menicon Co., Ltd. is the only contact lens company in the world dedicated to every aspect of the field from material development and lens design to manufacturing of lenses and lens care solutions. Menicon offers an expanding portfolio of innovative lenses, packaging and related products that maximize user comfort and convenience. The company is also the world's largest producer of gas-permeable contact lenses.
For more information, contact Yoko Kido (presscontact@menicon-net.co.jp) and visit menicon.com
or our Dutch site, www.nkl.nl
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Website: http://www.menicon.com
Contact
Menicon Co., Ltd.
Yoko Kido
General Manager
Mecenat / PR & Secretary Dept.
Liaison & Public Relations Division
+81-52-935-1187
presscontact@menicon-net.co.jp
This news is a press release provided by Menicon Co., Ltd..