1966

Further diversification in glass products

One of Pilkington’s major diversification out of flat glass, unpolished spectacle lens blanks, also came via the acquisition of Chance Brothers which had specialized in optical work since the nineteenth century.

In 1966, as a development from its optical glass operation in St Asaph, North Wales, Pilkington and Perkin Elmer formed Pilkington Perkin Elmer Ltd to make optical and electro-optical systems for the defense industry. These activities were extended in 1974 with the acquisition of Glasgow-based Barr and Stroud. The combined business was later to become Pilkington Optronics.