Above: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders leads today’s groundbreaking for the new manufacturing space at LaCroix Precision Optics.
At a Thursday morning press conference featuring Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other state and local leaders, a longtime local manufacturing company in Batesville unveiled plans for a significant expansion.
LaCroix Precision Optics announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Batesville, investing $13.8 million and creating 107 new jobs over the next five years.
The longtime optics manufacturer will add 18,750 square feet of manufacturing space and install advanced equipment to meet rising demand and support a new 10-year military contract.
“LaCroix Precision Optics is excited to expand our operations in Batesville to support a multi-year military contract that will help restore a critical supply chain to the United States,” said Kirk Warden, president of LaCroix Precision Optics. “We’re proud to create over 100 new jobs for the Batesville community.”
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh also spoke at the announcement, thanking the LaCroix Precision Optics family. Elumbaugh also thanked Gov. Sanders for proclaiming Thursday to be Batesville’s turn as “State Capitol of the Day.”
“We may have to extend that for a week,” Elumbaugh said to laughter.
Founded in 1947 in Chicago, LaCroix established a branch in Batesville in 1966 and fully relocated there in 1976. The company produces custom high-precision optics for defense and commercial customers.
This marks the company’s fifth expansion. Most recently, LaCroix added new optical assembly capabilities in 2024 to enhance vertical integration.
“Family-run companies like LaCroix are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Their expansion proves why cutting taxes, investing in our workforce, and reforming education drive growth.”
Construction is underway, with operations expected to begin in December 2025. Applications for new positions are open at lacroixoptics.com/careers.
Learn more about LaCroix Precision Optics below.
Above image: White River Now
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