Specsavers focuses on automated tech as it stumps up £7 million for Kidderminster factory expansion
Specsavers has kicked off a £7 million expansion of its Kidderminster Vision Labs manufacturing site. It says that this investment will see weekly lens output increase by 22%, while adding space for new automated technology and delivering improved facilities for staff.
Announced at a ceremony attended by the Deputy Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Shazu Miah, work is now under way on two existing buildings at Vision Labs - one of three Specsavers manufacturing and distribution facilities in the town. When complete, the total building size will grow from 6,319 to 7,544m², and weekly lens production will rise from 139,000 to 169,000 units - helping to support the 900+ UK Specsavers stores that are supplied from the site.
New production technology will eliminate several steps in the current manufacturing process, increasing lens yield per square metre and requiring an up-skilling of the existing workforce. The expansion will also deliver more efficient electricity use, reduced water consumption and a lower overall carbon footprint for the site.
Shafi Ahmed, Head of Operations at Vision Labs, comments: “This expansion is a direct result of growing demand for Specsavers’ services in the UK. With bigger sites and better technology, we are strongly positioned to continue to deliver quality eye care to communities across the UK.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
