Then
Founded in 1974 ios™ Optics, then OpticFab, produced a single product: beams splitter cubes, in the back of a machine shop in Palo Alto. Shortly thereafter, they moved to a barren 1,000 sq. ft. shop in Santa Clara. In 1980, the company was purchased by former Spectra Physics manufacturing engineer Douglas Fitzpatrick who grew the company by increasing the product and service offerings over the next three decades.
Now
Today, the company is known as an industry leader in custom precision optics and occupies a two acre lot just a half mile away from its humble beginnings. Although the size of the company has changed – the character has not. Our team members are experts in the optics industry and possess a true passion for the precision optical products they produce. Our management team is comprised of industry veterans having worked on thousands of projects; this experience provides a deep understanding of the industries we serve.
ios™ Optics distinguishes itself from the competition by consistently anticipating and responding to the needs of its customers. We are both a supplier and a partner committed to the long term success of our clients.
Our Full History
Ios Optics was founded in 1974 as OpticFab by Michael Forten, who had previously worked at Spectra Physics. Douglas Fitzpatrick, also formerly of Spectra Physics and Texas Instruments, became a principal of the company in 1978. When Michael Forten left OpticFab in 1980, Douglas Fitzpatrick took over as the leader of the company. OpticFab played a key role in the semiconductor industry by providing precision optics for technical lasers and other instruments used in semiconductor manufacturing. In 1982, the company expanded to occupy four adjacent units, totaling 5,000 square feet. In 1984, OpticFab hired its first non-technical employee, a salesperson. In 1985, the company purchased its first ping-pong table to provide entertainment for its employees during breaks. In 1988, the company was renamed Integrated Optical Services Corporation, also known as I.O.S.
In 1991, I.O.S. added coating capabilities to its services. In 1994, the company expanded again and moved to a 12,000 square foot facility at 291 Sinclair Frontage Road in Milpitas, California. I.O.S. also purchased a Zygo laser interferometer to enhance its capabilities. In 1995, the company responded to customer demand by purchasing additional coating equipment. In 1997, I.O.S. had a record-breaking year due to its support of the semiconductor industry.
In 2002, I.O.S. acquired Taganas Optics, gaining additional machinery and capabilities. In 2004, the company expanded once more, this time to a 20,000 square foot facility at 3150 Molinaro Street in Santa Clara, just half a mile from its original location. The company also gained a new lunchroom with satellite TV, but lost its ping-pong table in the move. In 2008, I.O.S. acquired Heussner Optics, allowing the company to continue the legacy of HO Inc. while also gaining exposure. In 2009, due to high demand for its services, the company installed its first basketball hoop and arcade game to provide recreation for its employees. In 2010, I.O.S. had its greatest growth ever and celebrated its achievements with the first “Employee Appreciation Day”. The company also changed its name to ios Optics.
In 2011, ios Optics exhibited at Photonics West for the first time in over 15 years and held its second “Employee Appreciation Day” at AT&T Park. The company also had its highest sales figures in over 10 years. In 2012, ios Optics upgraded its metrology equipment and coating capabilities. The company also had its highest sales figures in the past 11 years. In 2013, the company modified a 36″ Strasbaugh lapper to be a double-sided polisher and had its best sales month in company history. In 2014, ios Optics expanded its coating services to include coatings on PMMA and metallic coatings, and launched a project to rewrite its Quality Manual in order to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification. In 2015, the company’s quality system was certified by DNV as conforming to ISO 9001:2008, and the company held its third “Employee Appreciation Day” at a San Jose Earthquakes soccer game.
