MP congratulates Crossbows Optical on continued growth

Carla Lockhart MP • June 14, 2022

Upper Bann Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has visited Lurgan based Crossbows Optical, to engage with the management team and discuss the very positive role played by the company in growing Northern Ireland exports. Carla met with Managing Director, Patrick McColloum, and Technical Director Richard McRoberts, alongside Sales and Marketing Manager, Jonathan Bell.

Speaking after the visit, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Crossbows Optical is a real success story for Lurgan, and indeed for Northern Ireland.

 

The company can trace its origins back to the Optical, built in 1947. That factory was originally built as a munitions factory for the war. Of course by 1947 the war was over, so the factory became part of a UK network producing glasses for distribution throughout the UK on the NHS.

 

From these origins, Crossbow Optical is now in the top 50 firms in Northern Ireland, and is exporting products right across the world. It was great to hear from the team how the company is experiencing ongoing growth, despite the hugely competitive market it operates in.

 

Crossbows Optical is synonymous with a quality product at a price point that is in the interests of the consumer. That is down to the workforce here in Lurgan, who continue to drive forward innovation and enhanced production methods.

 

I commend Patrick, Richard, Jonathan and the whole team here. The sense of collective pride in the product, and the company’s success, is really striking. I wish the company well for the future and will be watching their continued growth with interest.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP August 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has revealed she has received a formal written apology from the Chair of the Parades Commission, over misleading evidence given to the High Court concerning her involvement in the Drumcree case.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 26, 2026
The DUP’s member of Parliament for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart MP, has responded to the Secretary of State’s statement, saying “Parades Commission assurances will not suffice”.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 25, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has described the outcome of the Drumcree legal challenge as a “seismic victory” after 28 years, and says the revelations surrounding the Parades Commission now demand urgent scrutiny at Westminster.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 21, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has accused the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) of marking its own homework, following a series of whistleblowing allegations centred on its Hillsborough site.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has secured an urgent multi-agency meeting following the horrific discovery of two dogs found dead inside a property in Lurgan.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Confirmation that imported eggs have been linked to a series of Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in the UK has been described by DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, as a timely wake-up call for the Westminster Government.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised DAERA Minister Andrew Muir for ignoring widespread public and industry concerns, and pressing ahead with what she has described as a “flawed review” into the Fivemiletown cattle cull.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s decision to pursue a review of Shared Environmental Services (SES), describing it as an important and necessary step towards restoring accountability and confidence within Northern Ireland’s planning system.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Following this week’s AERA meeting in Stormont, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said many serious questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of the Fivemiletown cattle cull conducted by DAERA.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has strongly welcomed the stand taken by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.