The Optica Veture 1957 – 1963

In 1957 Joyce-Loebl entered into a collaboration with Optica Milano SpA, a small optical instrument company based in Milan who had began to develop a Spectrophotometer for the ultra violet region.

In 1957 Joyce-Loebl signed a 50-50 agreement with Optica to establish a joint venture to produce the Spectrophotometers under licence and in the same year secured a 6,000 sq. ft factory for the venture at Team Valley, Gateshead. The venture continued until 1963 when the business was acquired by the laboratory supply house Baird and Tatlock.

Joyce-Loebl and Optica also established Optica France S.A. in 1958 with Joyce-Loebl holding a 49% share. Joyce-Loebl withdew from Optica France in 1963.