Schumer: This Contract Is Another In Rochester's Long and Continuing Tradition as a Center for Optics

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Department of Defense will award a contract to ArtCraft Optical to produce special aviation flight frames for the U.S. Air Force, worth up to $22.5 million. Schumer underscored the company's long history in producing these quality frames for the Air Force in a letter of support to the Defense Logistics Agency in October 2013. Schumer said the frames will be made at the company's Henrietta, New York manufacturing facility, and will support the company's approximately 50 local employees. The contract is based on U.S. military needs, and will last for one year with three option years for extension. Schumer explained that this contract will greatly benefit ArtCraft Optical and will further advance Rochester's reputation as a leader in optics.

"This military contract is another big win for Rochester," said Schumer. "It will bring job-supporting work to the community and promote Rochester's reputation as a national leader in optic technology and manufacturing. With leading companies like ArtCraft Optical, Rochester's optics industry will continue to be a strong contributor to the region's economic growth."

Christopher Eagle, Vice President of ArtCraft Optical said, "This is extremely welcome news for our entire workforce. We appreciate Senator Schumer's continued support. It is great to see the pride that our employees show in the work they do and we are very pleased to be continuing to employ and grow our manufacturing facility in Western New York. This contract gives us the production base upon with which we can grow our USA made collection of industrial eyewear to even non-government customers as well as to expand our workforce into our 100 anniversary"

ArtCraft Optical has been making high quality eyeglasses in Rochester since 1918. It has been the sole supplier of the aviation flight frames since 1991, and supported the U.S. Air Force and other military organizations for many years by providing glasses specially designed for pilots. In addition to supporting the ArtCraft Optical local workforce, this Air Force contract provides a steady foundation to allow the company to continue to grow and invest in new product lines for the retail and commercial sector which will further its local operations.

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