US, Silhouette Optical Ltd Moves to Albany Area

Silhouette Optical Ltd. moved its distribution center from Northvale to upstate New York this week, leading to the loss of about 70 jobs.

The Austrian eyewear company moved to the Albany area because it needed more space as its business expanded, said spokeswoman Genevieve Fay. She said the company could not expand in Northvale because of its location near wetlands around Sparkill Creek.

Development in wetlands is restricted, although occasionally allowed. Northvale building inspector Nick Lepore said the company did not approach the town seeking permission to expand.The company had 23,000 square feet in Northvale and is now occupying a new 50,000-square-foot building. Only about 8 of the 80 workers moved, Fay said.

"It wasn't feasible for a lot of people to leave their families," Fay said.Silhouette offered Northvale employees a severance package and the services of a job placement firm, she said.