CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France—Essilor announced that it is beginning construction of a new “Innovation and Technology Center” in Créteil, France. The new facility, slated for completion in 2013, represents an investment of €30 million, according to Essilor. By regrouping the company’s research and development and engineering teams—a total of nearly 450 people—the technology center will reduce the time to bring new products to market, Essilor said.

The Innovation and Technology Center in Créteil is the second of three such facilities Essilor is planning. The first is in Dallas, Texas; another is to be constructed in Asia. The majority of the group’s R&D and engineering teams, which are currently spread across numerous sites, will work in these centers, according to Essilor.

“The proximity to market requirements will enhance the Group’s ability to develop innovative products adapted to the specific nature of each region and to expand partnerships with the best universities and centers of expertise,” remarked Paul du Saillant, executive vice president of Essilor.

Designed to meet strict environmental standards, the new facility will also seek to optimize energy consumption, the company said.