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 December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 28, 2025
Lockhart protests in solidarity as Chancellor “betrays farmers”
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has again demanded truth and accountability for the families of the 29 people who died in the 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre, delivering a powerful contribution in Parliament this week during a Westminster Hall debate secured by Alex Easton MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that this week’s Budget “offers presentation rather than substance” and fails to deliver meaningful support for workers, employers, farmers, policing or public services in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the Government’s approach to net zero, highlighting what she describes as hypocrisy and eye-watering costs linked to ministerial travel to international climate conferences. 
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to immediately halt plans for a new £10 million clinical trial that would see children, potentially as young as eleven, once again prescribed puberty blockers. The MP has voiced strong concerns about the ethics, safety and necessity of the trial, and has joined colleagues in signing a letter led by Rupert Lowe MP urging ministers to stop it.