Thélios, LVMH’s eyewear division, has inaugurated a new industrial facility in Longarone, Italy, strengthening its production of luxury eyewear and expanding its capabilities in metal frame manufacturing. The plant, developed from a former Safilo site, brought on board around 250 experienced employees and sits close to Thélios’ acetate-focused Manifattura Thélios, creating an integrated campus for the brand.
“This is a win-win situation,” said Toni Belloni, president of LVMH Italy.
“We gained expertise in metal frames while preserving jobs, giving us full control over quality and time-to-market.” CEO Alessandro Zanardo added that the expansion aligns with Thélios’ long-term strategy to build a pole of excellence in Italian luxury eyewear.
The €10 million investment modernised the facility with new machinery and digital tools, but artisanal craftsmanship remains central, with quality control still requiring hundreds of individual checks. Thélios now employs 1,300 people in Longarone while continuing to collaborate with around 200 local suppliers and factories.
Thélios produces eyewear for brands including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Givenchy, Loewe, Kenzo, Bulgari, Tag Heuer, Fred, and Stella McCartney, along with its own labels Vuarnet and Barton Perreira. While sunglasses remain key, the company is increasingly exploring optical eyewear as a fashion statement and essential accessory. Zanardo also highlighted opportunities in the technical and med-tech segments, reflecting the sector’s evolving landscape.
Belloni emphasised that the expansion demonstrates LVMH’s commitment to Italy, where it operates 66 production sites and 280 stores. With this investment, Thélios combines artisanal heritage and modern technology, positioning itself for growth and innovation in the global luxury eyewear market.
