PONCE, Puerto Rico— Essilor has announced that it will discontinue operations at its Ponce, Puerto Rico lens manufacturing facility effective on or about June 30, 2015. The closure will affect 180 workers, according to Essilor, which notified plant employees of the closing on Nov. 11.

“Essilor does not take these types of business decisions lightly and made every attempt to keep this facility viable,” said an Essilor spokesperson. “As we move toward consolidation, some product from this facility will be absorbed by existing facilities within North America. The excellent service that Essilor's customers have come to appreciate will not be affected by this strategic step.

“The operation will continue to do business through June. During this transition time, we are doing our best to assist the employees at the Ponce facility in their search for other employment opportunities both within our organization and within the local community.”