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 July 5, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her unwavering support for the brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1 after attending today’s Drumcree parade and church service, describing it as another significant chapter in their long-standing campaign to return home along their traditional route.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 3, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed DAERA's long-awaited consultation on wildlife intervention, describing it as a vital step towards delivering the comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy that Northern Ireland's farming community has been demanding for decades.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local centenarian Jim Copeland as he celebrated his 100th birthday, describing him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” and thanking him for his lifetime of Christian faith, service and quiet inspiration.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the successful conclusion of the legal case brought by seven Darlington nurses, describing the outcome as a victory for common sense, women’s dignity and the protection of single-sex spaces.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Moyallen Primary School pupil Harry Graham after he achieved an outstanding 100% attendance record throughout his entire primary school education.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Portadown veteran Joe Robson on completing an extraordinary 72-hour sit-out during Armed Forces Week, raising vital funds for Help for Heroes and shining a spotlight on the sacrifices made by those who have served.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong community spirit on display at the Annual Loughgall District LOL No. 3 Mini Twelfth, describing it as another excellent celebration of Ulster’s Orange heritage and culture.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called for meaningful lessons to be learned following a meeting with senior PSNI officers to discuss the policing operation at Scarva on 6 June.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has cautiously welcomed the Government's eleventh-hour decision to water down the proposed tariffs and quotas on imported steel. Measures due to be implemented on 1 st July 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong sense of community and fellowship on display at this year’s Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Summer Fete in Banbridge.