ODESSA, Fla.—Practical Systems, Inc. (PSI) is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving the optical industry. Founded by Bill Hernandez in 1971, the company quickly established itself as a leader of innovative practical systems for labs. Firmly planted in the industry with the AlumaLap, the first lightweight aluminum lap, PSI continued to find other practical systems such as slurry and filtration systems that improved lab efficiency and saved money. When Bill left the company, his wife June Jankura served as president, with their son Patrick Hernandez overseeing operations.

In 1993, Patrick took over as president and led the move of PSI’s operations to a new, larger, facility in Odessa, Fla. The move allowed the company to be awarded a 3M distributorship that paved the way for them to become a significant player in the consumables market. PSI continues to be one of the largest suppliers of pads, polish and blocking pads in the industry. Still independently owned and operated, they provide consumables and equipment worldwide to optical labs and ECPs.

“2020 was a tough year for all businesses. It showed us how strong our company, employees and customers are because we are still here and getting stronger every day,” said Patrick Hernandez. “PSI’s future remains bright. By maintaining a consistent atmosphere of always trying to do things better and making things easier for our customers, this company plans to have the optical industry ‘Looking to PSI’ for years to come.”