After several years of working away from their homes and families, the brothers voiced their desire to move back to Arkansas. To prevent the loss of two highly skilled craftsmen, Ray Sr. and his son Ray Jr. asked the brothers if they would be interested in opening a branch plant in Arkansas. The Dales agreed.
1966: The first Batesville location was established. LaCroix continued to operate for 10 years as a multi-state corporation with a total of 25 employees.
1976: The entire operation was moved to Batesville due in part to the strong work ethic and dedication of the Batesville area employees. The company was merged into a newly constructed building just north of town, which is still our home today.
1985: Ray LaCroix, Jr., who had been working for the company since 1961, took over leadership as President after the death of his father.
2017: Celebrating 70 years in business, we changed our name to LaCroix Precision Optics and expanded the facility to 46,250 square feet allowing for new capabilities, technology and workforce to meet the needs for the next generation of optical requirements.
2018: Kirk Warden is promoted to President, and LaCroix Jr. assumes a position as Chairman of the Board.
2024: LaCroix announces new capabilities in optical design and assembly, offering a vertically integrated business model and carrying through our relationship-first focus.