On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Club Laser & Procédés (CLP), we gave the floor to John Lopez, President of the CLP since 2010 and a key figure in structuring the network. He looks back on the history, strengths, and ambitions of an association that has successfully navigated four decades of innovation, challenges, and collective boldness.
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How was the Club Laser & Procédés founded in 1985?
“Originally, the Club Laser de Puissance was a learned society born from the desire of a few players from both academia and industry to come together to exchange ideas and promote the potential of this then-emerging technology.
The CEA site in Arcueil (ETCA – CLFA) hosted the CLP during its early years. From 1985 to 2005, the animation of the Club as well as the organization of the ‘Annual Days’ were carried out by conscripted scientists, and later by young beneficiaries of the emplois-jeunes program, supervised by ETCA staff.
Many of our earliest members are still closely involved with the CLP—I am thinking in particular of IREPA LASER, AIR LIQUIDE, LASER CHEVAL, and the CEA. A big thank you to them!”
What were the original objectives behind its creation?
“I joined the adventure in June 2000, 15 years after the CLP was founded, so I do not know precisely the initial motivations of its founders. I therefore refer to the mission of the association, which has remained unchanged for 40 years: to promote laser technologies and processes in industry.
At the time, applications mainly involved cutting and welding. Cladding and then marking appeared later. As for micro-machining, it raised smiles, as it seemed exotic and far removed from industrial concerns at the time.”
In your view, what makes the network strong and unique today?
“The CLP’s greatest strength lies in its independence and its capacity to act. The association also has the financial means to dare, to test, and to experiment with new initiatives. For a scientific—and playful—mind like mine, the CLP is a permanent experimental playground.
The Board of Directors is dynamic and committed; from our discussions emerge legitimate and consensual decisions. Our members follow us and fully play the game. As I often like to say, the CLP exists for and through its members. This is also why, as early as 2018, we chose to adopt a people-centered communication strategy, highlighting the individuals, professions, and companies that bring our network to life every day.
Independence does not mean isolation. The CLP’s active participation within Photonics France is proof of this. The Club also maintains regular ties with national optics-photonics clusters such as ALPHA-RLH, PHOTONICS BRETAGNE, MINALOGIC, and SYSTEMATIC, as well as with the French Optical Society (SFO).
Despite modest resources, the CLP enjoys strong visibility. Over the years, it has gained legitimacy and recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Our model surprises—and stands out—for its formidable effectiveness.”
Which achievements do you consider the most emblematic?
“For me, the greatest achievement is having succeeded in bringing together an entire community around a shared dynamic and a common will. Even competing companies collaborate there, each working in the collective interest.
It should also be emphasized that the CLP has evolved by gradually integrating the technological (r)evolutions related to lasers and their associated processes.
The PLI Conferences now enjoy exceptional recognition, both nationally and internationally. It is an event that the community has fully embraced, in the service of all. The words used by participants to describe it speak for themselves: innovation, conviviality, efficiency, unmissable, inspiring, expertise, exchanges, a breath of fresh air…
These successes are also those of the people who have made—and who continue to make—the CLP live on a daily basis. I am thinking in particular of Pascaline, Monique, Fanny, Joanna, Lucile, and Gaëlle. Thank you to them!”
What does the 40th anniversary represent for you personally?
“The fact that the CLP is still present, dynamic, and growing demonstrates the strength and resilience of our community. We owe this longevity to our members and their unwavering support. Thank you to them!
On a more personal level, this anniversary represents 25 years of my professional life, including 15 years as elected President (8 terms). The trust placed in me by the members honors me. I take great pride in it, while remaining humble and mindful that this is above all a collective success.
I also smile when I realize that the presidency of this private and independent association, bringing together mainly industrial players, is entrusted… to an academic.”
What are the ambitions for the years to come?
“Our priorities and future directions are currently being discussed internally within the CLP Board of Directors. It is therefore still a little early to communicate officially, but I fully trust the momentum and insight of the Board members to chart the right course.
On a personal note, I advocate for further federating the supply side in order to attract demand. The CLP must continue to expand its reach.
Our various opinion surveys show that our members primarily join to develop their network and gain visibility. However, it must be acknowledged that the CLP is not yet sufficiently effective in generating inbound leads for its members. Until now, this was not a major issue, but the current period is calling some balances into question: several members are wondering about the value of their commitment in this respect.
Our future positioning must therefore take this reality into account and aim for greater efficiency in lead generation for our members. That is a real challenge!
There is nothing like a storm to test the strength of our foundations and our capacity for resilience.
Another essential challenge will be to preserve neutrality and fairness among members in our future actions—an indispensable condition for maintaining everyone’s trust.”
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Forty years after its creation, the CLP confirms its unique position within the French laser ecosystem. Balancing fidelity to its founding values with a clear determination to strengthen its impact, the association looks to the future with lucidity and resolve. A new chapter is opening—written, as always, with and for the laser community.
