- Eyewear manufacturer creating 188 jobs
- Project represents a corporate investment of nearly $12.5 million
Eyeglass manufacturer Superior Optical Lab is expanding in Jackson County. The project is a $12,451,728 corporate investment and will create 188 jobs.
Based in Ocean Springs, Superior Optical Lab operates one of the most technologically advanced wholesale optical laboratories in the United States and recently completely an expansion that created 45,000 square feet of production space. This new investment will further increase Superior’s capacity and help it become a more efficient and reliable manufacturer to its many customers.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building improvements. Jackson County also is assisting with the project.
Founded in 1991, Superior Optical Lab is service-disabled veteran-owned small business, owned by a U.S. Navy veteran with a proud history of partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide affordable, high-quality eyewear to veterans and their families.
Quotes
“Mississippi is proud to support its veterans and veteran-owned companies like Superior Optical Lab. My administration is committed to helping our local businesses thrive and appreciate when they can give back to the community, much like Superior Optical Lab assists other veterans and their families by providing exceptional eyewear at an affordable rate. With this expansion comes nearly 190 new jobs, which will certainly have positive impact in the Gulf Coast Region.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“Superior Optical Lab has been part of our state’s economic landscape for more than 30 years. This investment represents the ongoing commitment of the Superior Optical team to its community, and MDA is proud to support the growth of this veteran-owned company and its employees. This latest economic development win is another testament to the fact that Mississippi is an outstanding place to build and grow a business.” – MDA Executive Director Bill Cork
“On behalf of all of our employees at Superior Optical Lab, I am extremely excited to be partnering with MDA and Jackson County to expand our business along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. I want to thank Governor Reeves and all of our senators and state representatives for their continued support. Superior looks forward to being able to offer employment opportunities to those in our community and further advancing our mission of providing high-quality eyewear to our many customers throughout the country.” – Superior Optical Lab President and CEO Derek Bodart
“Superior Optical Lab has been a dedicated member of Jackson County’s strong manufacturing sector for over three decades. Their newest investment is a testament to the high-quality eyewear they provide to our veterans and the stellar workforce producing the frames and lenses. We appreciate Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Development Authority’s commitment to helping grow Jackson County companies.” – Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director George
