New Jersey Optical Company Irvington's New Jersey Optical had been a renowned and particularly innovative manufacturer of high quality gold filled metal frames. Its ability and reputation unequaled by all but a few American and European optical manufacturers. More than 100 skilled employees were engaged in manufacturing intricate metal frames; establishing a unique reputation and a following of loyal customers, including then US president Harry S. Truman. Fortune would not continue to be kind to NJO, as the late 1950's brought internal upheaval, which ultimately resulted in the sale to Standard Optical Company, the world's largest optical hinge manufacturer.  The next decade would see further and a more severe decline following  management's benign neglect. Facing a directionless future, NJO's production facilities became increasingly antiquated.  By the early 1960's the company was again "for sale". Renovation and Re-equipment Following the acquisition of NJO from Standard Optical the facility was entirely refurbished. Overhead belt driven machinery was replaced by individual motors, while ceilings, walls and radiators were thoroughly cleaned and repainted. Thick half century oak floors were sanded, refinished and lacquered. A multitude of ventilation fans gave way to air-conditioning. The latest modern German, French and Italian metal frame manufacturing equipment and tool room machinery were installed in the Irvington facility. Production equipment included automatic wire reduction machines, wire cutting machines, wire drawing, atmosphere controlled continuous run annealing ovens and fully automatic eye-wire forming machines, high capacity hydraulic presses, automatic hinge manufacturing machines, temple core-wire injection machines, molding injection machines, spot welding machines, resistance and induction heat soldering equipment and  wire sawing equipment. State of the art metal finishing and electro-plating facilities were supplied by leading domestic sources.