Investing.com -- EssilorLuxottica announced Tuesday it will begin manufacturing smart eyewear in Italy by early 2027, according to a joint statement with Italian trade unions.

The Franco-Italian eyewear manufacturer currently produces its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in Asia. The company maintains a long-term partnership with Meta Platforms to develop smart glasses under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands.

The statement did not specify which types of wearable devices would be produced at Italian facilities.

The group described the move as an industrial choice of strong strategic value due to the high technological content of wearables. The company said the decision is based on maintaining the role of Italian plants as innovation hubs.