Batesville, AR – LaCroix Precision Optics, a leading manufacturer of high-precision optics, announced a $13.8 million expansion of its Batesville operations on June 5, 2025, set to create 107 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion, driven by a 10-year military contract and rising customer demand, will add 18,750 square feet of manufacturing space and advanced equipment, reinforcing Batesville’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing in Northeast Arkansas.
Expansion Details
The expansion, LaCroix Precision Optics’ fifth since its founding in 1947, will enhance the company’s capacity to produce custom optics, including spherical lenses, achromats, aspheres, windows, wedges, prisms, and beam splitters. The new facility space and state-of-the-art equipment will support a multi-year military contract aimed at restoring a critical U.S. supply chain. Construction has already begun, with operations expected to start in December 2025.
Kirk Warden, president of LaCroix Precision Optics, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are 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. This expansion will allow us to enhance our capabilities with advanced equipment and additional manufacturing space.” Warden credited the company’s employees and thanked state and local officials for their support, adding, “We’re proud to create over 100 new jobs for the Batesville community.”
Economic Impact
The expansion underscores Batesville’s growing reputation as a center for high-tech industry, bolstered by its skilled workforce and pro-business environment. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised LaCroix’s commitment, saying, “Family-run companies like LaCroix Precision Optics are the backbone of our state’s economy, and we have been proud that they’ve called Arkansas home for almost sixty years. Their expansion further proves why cutting taxes, investing in our workforce, and reforming education helps drive economic growth.”
Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald highlighted Arkansas’s business-friendly climate, noting, “Companies like LaCroix are investing in Arkansas because of our pro-business climate with low costs and an experienced workforce.” Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, added, “Long-term economic success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of great companies, vibrant communities, and a strong workforce. With LaCroix Precision Optics and Batesville, you have all three.”
Locally, the expansion is a significant win. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh stated, “LaCroix Precision Optics has been a valued part of our community for decades, and this expansion is a huge win for Batesville. Their investment means more jobs, opportunities, and growth for our city.” Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This expansion not only brings high-quality job opportunities to our community but also reinforces Batesville’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.”
Company History and Growth
Founded in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, LaCroix Precision Optics established a branch in Batesville in 1966 and fully relocated there in 1976. The family-run company has grown steadily, with its most recent expansion in 2024 adding optical assembly capabilities for a vertically integrated business model. The 2025 expansion builds on this momentum, positioning LaCroix to meet increased demand for precision optics in military and commercial applications.
The company’s products are critical for industries ranging from defense to medical and scientific research, showcasing Batesville’s ability to support high-tech manufacturing. The 107 new jobs, ranging from production to technical roles, are now open for applications at lacroixoptics.com/careers, offering opportunities for local residents and those relocating to Independence County.
Community and Regional Significance
Batesville, recognized as one of the “100 Best Small Towns in America,” benefits from a robust manufacturing sector, with companies like Bad Boy Mowers, Peco Foods, and FutureFuel also calling the city home. LaCroix’s expansion aligns with recent economic developments, such as the city’s designation as Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day” on June 5, 2025, and upcoming events like the Batesville Business Expo on June 11, 2025, which highlight the region’s business vitality.
The new jobs and investment are expected to ripple through the local economy, supporting small businesses, schools, and community initiatives. Batesville’s proximity to Jonesboro, Searcy, and Heber Springs makes it a regional economic driver, and LaCroix’s growth further cements its role as a destination for advanced manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
As construction progresses, LaCroix Precision Optics is poised to strengthen its global impact from Batesville, delivering critical optics for national security and beyond. The company’s commitment to its employees and the community, combined with state and local support, sets the stage for continued success. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit lacroixoptics.com/careers to explore open positions and join a growing team.
For more information about the expansion or economic opportunities in Batesville, contact the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-793-2378 or visit batesvilleareachamber.com. Stay updated on local developments through whiterivernow.com or the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at arkansasedc.com.
