For nearly 40 years, the Club Laser et Procédés has brought together key players in the laser industry and highlighted those who contribute to its development. Through this series of interviews, we invite you to discover the CLP board members, their career paths, their visions, and their commitments to the future of laser technology in France.
Today, we speak with Thomas Baraderie, Key Account Manager at ES LASER. Originally from Bordeaux and passionate about physics and optics, he has been working in the industrial laser sector for over 17 years. He shares his perspective on the evolution of laser technology, his involvement with the CLP, and his ambitions for the French laser industry.
What has been your career path, and how did you first encounter laser technology?
“Passionate about physics and optics, I naturally pursued my studies at the University of Bordeaux. Very early on, I was fortunate to join ES LASER, one of the few French manufacturers of laser machines, where I have been working for more than 17 years.
From the beginning, I was fascinated by the potential of this technology, which combines precision, creativity, and industrial performance. Working on custom applications for our clients allowed me to discover the full richness and diversity of laser applications in industry.”
What motivated you to get involved with the Board of Directors of the Club Laser et Procédés?
“For many years, my interactions with the CLP teams have always been warm, engaging, and constructive. After spending some time as an external visitor, I wanted to join the Board of Directors to represent ES LASER, a laser integrator and manufacturer of machines for custom micro-laser applications.
What motivated me most were the exchanges between partners, suppliers, and colleagues, all driven by a shared ambition: to advance and promote the French laser industry. As John Lopez, President of CLP, says: ‘The CLP exists by its members and for its members.’ This collective dynamic is exactly what inspired me to get more involved.”
What are your ambitions for the development of the CLP and the laser industry in France?
“France has all the necessary players to occupy a leading position on the European and international stage: component manufacturers, machine builders, laser source producers… Some are already globally recognized, and in a context where industrial sovereignty is crucial, their role is fundamental.
My ambition is to strengthen this momentum and support the innovation and competitiveness of the entire French laser industry.”
Why would you recommend that a company join the CLP?
“The CLP is a dynamic network where industrial and institutional players work together in a spirit of collaboration. It provides an opportunity to learn about the latest technological advances, exchange with experts, and gain unique visibility.
The quality of the publications and conferences at the annual event, the PLI Conferences, is a major asset for any company wishing to stay at the forefront of industrial laser innovation.”
In your view, what are the future development areas of laser technology?
“The next advances in laser technology will be driven by three strategic levers: faster processes, more controlled operations, and environmentally friendly methods. Industrial players are increasingly attentive to these criteria, which provide measurable competitive advantages.
This momentum will open access to high-value markets, with applications ranging from microelectronics to ship hull stripping, as well as machining and welding components for defense, medical applications, and micro-technology. Lasers will establish themselves as a central tool in industrial transformation, combining productivity, quality, and sustainability.”
Through his testimony, Thomas Baraderie illustrates the passion, expertise, and commitment that drive actors in the French laser industry. His career highlights the wealth of know-how developed around this breakthrough technology and demonstrates his dedication to strengthening the cohesion and international visibility of the laser community.
A big thank you to Thomas Baraderie for this inspiring sharing, which reminds us how the CLP plays a key role as a catalyst for innovation, synergies, and competitiveness, serving an industry that is increasingly precise, responsible, and high-performing.
