COLONIE, N.Y.—Silhouette Optical, the U.S. distribution subsidiary of Silhouette International, broke ground this week on a new learning center located here.

According to the company, construction on the new building will be finished in the Fall of 2008. Upon completion, the facility will house a working retail and eyecare center where Silhouette will test new concepts in providing a unique and comprehensive experience for eyewear consumers, before introducing them to the company’s independent optical and retail partners throughout the 100 countries where its products are sold.

“Silhouette’s success is dependent on the success of our independent optical practitioners. If we learn to serve them better through the experience we gain at this facility and make the results available to our partners, we will all benefit,” said Chris Juergens, president of Silhouette Optical. “Creating a retail environment owned by Silhouette will provide us with a better perspective on the challenges our customers face.”

“The independent professionals who sell our products are always looking for new ways to enhance their customers’ experiences,” continued Juergens. “In the competitive environment in which our industry exists, we want to do what we can to help them continue to be successful.”

The Colonie location was chosen due to its proximity to Silhouette Optical’s distribution headquarters in Green Island, N.Y., which will allow for closer observation and more efficient operational review of the new facility, according to a statement from the company.