Friday, October 4, 2024

Our Mission

  • To provide technically advanced critical surfacing materials of the highest quality in a cost effective manner.
  • To provide efficient sales service and expert technical assistance.
  • To maintain an unwavering commitment to lab and product development programs, and comprehensive field research.

Universal Photonics is a world-leader in critical surface preparation materials. Our dedication to the advancement of surfacing and polishing technology in all phases of fabrication spans nearly a century, and is supported with state-of-art laboratory, manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East.

Our goal as a manufacturer and global distributor is to provide you with the most advanced surfacing and production products available. To assure this, we are committed to research and product development, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the latest advancements across a variety of surfacing technologies, and ongoing, comprehensive field research.

More than offer an extensive line of quality products, UPI applies the Science of Surfacing™ to all applications. Contact our Account Services team or arrange to consult with a Field Applications Engineer. As we have for nearly a century, UPI stands ready to meet your specific application needs quickly and thoroughly, while always providing fast, dependable service and accurate, technical consultations.

A History of Our Company

  • 1926

    Universal Photonics established.

  • 1938

    First exports to Asia with Japanese distribution partners we still have today.

  • 1939

    Introduction of full product line for ophthalmic processing.

  • 1949

    Cerium oxide for glass polishing introduced.

  • 1957

    Appointed exclusive glass industry distributor for Norton Company line of diamond products.

  • 1958

    Introduced platelet alumina for pre-fining to product line.

  • 1960

    Polyurethane pad interfaces developed for polishing pads.

  • 1961

    Diamond edging for optical lenses introduced.

  • 1967

    Selected as supplier of IR / Optical system materials for Apollo Space Program.

  • 1975

    Appointed exclusive North American partner for LOH Precision Optics machinery.

  • 1978

    LP Unalon® polyurethane pads introduced to silicon wafer production.

  • 1979

    JH Rhodes Company, Inc. acquired.

  • 1984

    Distributing agent established for direct sell and service to the China market.

  • 1989

    Patternless optical lens edging systems introduced.

  • 1992

    Appointed exclusive industry partner for Loctite Corporation optical materials.

  • 1995

    Production established for EVERFLO, our proprietary additive that accelerates and enhances the polishing process.

  • 1996

    Partnered with SEMATECH on various development projects for emerging technology.

  • 1997

    Manufacturing established for HASTILITE, our uniquely engineered, proprietary line of critical surfacing polishes.

  • 1997

    FLUID DYNAMICS, our waste management division specializing in chilling and filtering equipment, established.

  • 1998

    Appointed exclusive NAFTA distributor for Bayer Corporation CMP products.

  • 2001

    ISO 9001:2000 certification achieved at our JH Rhodes Company, Inc.

  • 2003

    ESM Division, arm of Universal Photonics specializing in electronic surfacing technology.

  • 2003

    Universal Photonics Far East, Inc. established with office in Japan.

  • 2005

    Appointed exclusive North American distributor for SOMOS Double-Sided Polishing and Lapping machines.

  • 2005

    Appointed exclusive North American distributor for HKS Centrifuges, Separators, and Compactors.

  • 2006

    Universal Photonics Nanjing, China office established.

  • 2008

    V2 Technology Expansion: Spindle polishing tool impregnated with abrasive material requiring only water.

  • 2009

    Universal Photonics Shenzhen, China office established.

  • 2011

    Universal Photonics Hong Kong, China office established.

  • 2012

    Universal Photonics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. established in Shenzhen, China.

  • 2012

    Universal Photonics acquires Aquabond Technologies’ full product line of thermoplastic adhesives and cleaning agents.

  • 2013

    Universal Photonics, Inc. Taiwan office established.

  • 2013

    Universal Photonics, Inc. South Korea office established.

  • 2014

    Appointed exclusive North American distributor.

  • 2014

    Universal Photonics acquires CV Nanotechnology’s full product line of precision polishing compounds and surface preparation materials.

  • 2015

    Universal Photonics acquires Nuvite Chemical Compounds’ full line of appearance and maintenance chemicals for aerospace and transportation.