A HISTORIC MERGER
ESSILOR
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“ We ensure that the materials we are buying are not manufactured through child labour and don ’ t come from regions where minerals are extracted in an improper way ”
— Vladimir Zhirnov , Global Sourcing and Procurement Director of Supply Chain & Transport at Essilor
consumables network , Essilor reconfigured its distribution centre locations in the US and focused its efforts on areas where it was needed most . This helped to drive labour , capex rationalisation , reduce freight costs and more . “ It offered us better costs , lower investments and at the same , it ensured we designated channel champions so to avoid competing against each other .”
A HISTORIC MERGER
Another project which Zhirnov has a keen eye on revolves around the company ’ s merger with Italian eyewear company Luxottica , which owns brands including Ray-Ban , Oakley and Sunglass Hut . This will not only propel Essilor ’ s and Luxottica reach farther into the various markets , but it will also undoubtedly impact the firm ’ s sourcing logistics and supply chain . Although this deal is still in its early stages , there ’ s a lot to consider . “ Essentially , the supply will be doubled and we ’ ll also have two different systems and organisations that needs to be combined ”, Zhirnov observes . So whilst this transition is
FEBRUARY 2019