RAMSEY, Minn .— Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), is expanding its presence in Asia with the purchase of a cast resin factory in Bangkok, Thailand. VEL has signed an agreement to purchase the factory from Indelor Lens (Thailand) Co., Ltd (Indo). The transaction is expected to be completed once necessary governmental approvals and other conditions to closing are satisfied, according to VEL.

VEL said it purchased the plant to expand its ability to manufacture advanced technology and premium specialty cast resin products. The factory will also continue to manufacture and supply existing proprietary lenses to Indo.

“Having additional manufacturing capability and space is crucial to maintaining supply and quickly introducing new technologies to our customers as we continue to expand our premium polarized, photochromic and progressive offerings into new materials that our customers demand,” said Douglas Hepper, CEO of VEL.

The advanced technology casting facility, built in 2004 to European standards, has over 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space. VEL said it is committed to employing the plant’s current employees and will integrate existing operations with VEL engineering, quality and manufacturing processes. The acquisition of the Thai facility is additive and will not alter production at either of the current polycarbonate and glass manufacturing operations in Ramsey, Minn. and Jakarta, Indonesia, the company said.