Eyeglass manufacturer Superior Optical Lab is expanding its operations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With a more than $12 million corporate investment, the company plans to create 188 new jobs in Jackson County.

Based in Ocean Springs, Superior Optical Lab operates one of the U.S’s most technologically advanced wholesale optical laboratories. The company recently completed an expansion that created 45,000 square feet of production space.

The new investment will further increase Superior’s capacity and help it become a more efficient and reliable manufacturer to its many customers.

“Mississippi is proud to support its veterans and veteran-owned companies like Superior Optical Lab,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “My administration is committed to helping our local businesses thrive and appreciate when they can give back to the community, much like Superior Optical Lab assists other veterans and their families by providing exceptional eyewear at an affordable rate. With this expansion comes nearly 190 new jobs, which will certainly have a positive impact in the Gulf Coast Region.”

The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting with building improvements. Jackson County also is financially contributing to the project.

“On behalf of all of our employees at Superior Optical Lab, I am extremely excited to be partnering with MDA and Jackson County to expand our business along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast,” Superior Optical Lab President and CEO Derek Bodart said.

“I want to thank Governor Reeves and all of our senators and state representatives for their continued support. Superior looks forward to being able to offer employment opportunities to those in our community and further advancing our mission of providing high-quality eyewear to our many customers throughout the country.”

Founded in 1991, Superior Optical Lab is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business with a proud history of partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide affordable, high-quality eyewear to veterans and their families.