Cornilleau: Key Dates
De geschiedenis van Cornilleau is die van een Frans bedrijf dat met zijn tijd is meegegaan en daarbij altijd trouw is gebleven aan zijn waarden. Het is een familieavontuur waarin passie, ondernemingszin en innovatie samenkomen. Van de in 1946 opgerichte werkplaatsen gespecialiseerd in schrijnwerk en meubelmakerij tot een merk dat de referentie is geworden in tafeltennis en de ontwikkeling van designmeubilair voor games: ontdek of herbeleef de belangrijkste etappes uit de geschiedenis van Cornilleau.
1946
The company's origins
The apparent simplicity of the Origin billiard table is the result of a quest for the perfect balance between materials, lines, and angles. Timeless and bold, it invites us to focus on the essential: being together and sharing life's moments, like small escapes from the everyday, without a care in the world.
The company was founded in 1946 by Émile Cornilleau in Bonneuil-les-Eaux (Oise), France. Originally, it was a specialized joinery workshop. It was from these roots that the brand's expertise in wood and high-quality craftsmanship began to grow.
"Come and settle in Bonneuil, you'll have more work than you can handle"
1946
The story of a carpenter in the post-war era...
The story of Cornilleau is, above all, a family story. In 1946, Emile Cornilleau, a carpenter by trade, left Paris to offer his family a better quality of life. He decided to settle in the Oise region, where the post-war reconstruction needs were significant. He opened his woodworking shop in an old agricultural building in Bonneuil-les-Eaux: this is where our story begins...
"Come and settle in Bonneuil, you'll have more work than you can handle"
1969
"We need 300 tables for Christmas"
In 1969, the consumer society and the leisure market were booming. Building on its success, BHV Paris expanded its range and indirectly proposed a project to Cornilleau: making ping-pong tables. New ambitions required new expertise, and the family business dived into the adventure. They created 3 table prototypes. Convinced, BHV Paris ordered 300 for Christmas. It was already May. A real challenge began for Emile: the artisanal joinery had to evolve into an industry capable of producing large volumes in a short timeframe. His son, Pierre, convinced him to take the leap. Emile Cornilleau invested all his savings into specialized machinery and rose to the challenge. This decision marked Cornilleau’s history: it was the founding event of the future table tennis brand.
"The machines ... we just have to buy them!"
1969
"We need 300 tables for Christmas"
In 1969, the consumer society and the leisure market were booming. Building on its success, the BHV department store in Paris expanded its range and indirectly offered a project to Cornilleau: manufacturing ping-pong tables. New ambitions required new expertise, and the family business dived into the adventure. They built three prototype tables. The BHV, convinced, ordered 300 for Christmas. It was May. A real challenge then began for Emile: the artisanal woodworking shop had to evolve into an industry capable of producing large volumes in a short time. His son, Pierre, convinced him to take the leap. Emile Cornilleau invested all his savings into specialized equipment and met the challenge. This decision marked Cornilleau's history: it was the founding event of the future ping-pong brand.
"The machines ... we just have to buy them!"
1982
A boost named Jacques Secrétin
More than just a manufacturer, Cornilleau had the firm ambition to become a brand. With the aim of developing a professional and high-quality image, Pierre Cornilleau, who had become the company's director, invited the multi-time French Champion and 1976 European Champion, Jacques Secrétin, to sign a partnership with the brand. This move was based on the advice of a buyer from COOP (a major central purchasing body at the time). The table tennis star would leave a lasting mark on Cornilleau's history. He brought his expertise to the design of competition tables, and the 420 model became the "420 Secrétin." As a result, notoriety was added to the existing qualities of price and performance. This marked the beginning of the association between the industrial company and the great champions of the sport.
"When I saw him move 10 meters back, and the ball hit the rafters before falling back onto the table, I told myself that maybe I should listen to the champions when it comes to competition..."
1982
A major asset named Jacques Secrétin
More than just a manufacturer, Cornilleau had the firm ambition of becoming a brand. With the aim of developing a professional and high-quality image, Pierre Cornilleau, now director of the company, invited the multiple-time French Champion and 1976 European Champion, Jacques Secrétin, to sign a partnership with the brand, following the advice of a buyer from COOP (a major purchasing center at the time). The table tennis player would leave his mark on Cornilleau's history. He brought his expertise to the design of competition tables, and the 420 table became the "420 Secrétin". Thus, notoriety was added to quality and price. This marked the beginning of the association between the industrial company and the great champions of the discipline.
"When I saw him moving 10 meters back, and the ball hitting the rafters before falling back onto the table, I told myself that maybe I should listen to the champions for competition gear..."
1988
Ping-pong goes outdoor
In the 1980s, a spirit of freedom was blowing through France... Families developed a particular passion for outdoor sports and healthy family leisure activities. However, outdoor ping-pong remained on the fringes: outdoor tables were simply too expensive. Pierre Cornilleau decided to make them accessible to the general public. The technical team took on the challenge and revolutionized the game by using a material previously reserved for the construction industry: solid laminate. A new range of outdoor tables was launched. From innovation to innovation, Cornilleau tables became increasingly high-performing and resistant to all weather conditions. A major turning point in the history of the sport!
"Overnight, thanks to our new technologies, we started making outdoor tables that were significantly more affordable."
1988
Ping-pong goes outdoors
In the 1980s, a sense of freedom was sweeping through France... Families developed a particular passion for outdoor sports and healthy family leisure activities. However, outdoor ping-pong remained on the sidelines: outdoor tables were simply too expensive. Pierre Cornilleau decided to make them accessible to the general public. The technical team took on the challenge and revolutionized the game by using a material previously reserved for the construction industry: solid laminate. A new range of outdoor tables was launched. From one innovation to the next, Cornilleau tables became increasingly high-performing and resistant to all weather conditions. A turning point in the history of ping-pong!
"Overnight, thanks to our new technologies, we started making outdoor tables that were significantly more affordable."
1990
The early 90s: new talent serving the brand
Cornilleau sought to establish an even stronger brand image by highlighting its expertise and product advantages. To achieve this, the company recruited Michel Zany, whose mission was to bring a commercial and marketing dimension to Cornilleau. Michel, quickly promoted to Sales Director, worked hand-in-hand with Pierre Cornilleau while actively structuring the company. Following a failed negotiation for a major promotion with a large hypermarket chain that only cared about price, he announced his vision for the future: stop selling to hypermarkets and focus on the mid-to-high-end market, while expanding through major specialized sports chains and international markets. It was also during this period that the current Sales Director, François Robert, joined the company.
"Pierre, we should stop selling in hypermarkets"
1990
Early 90s: new talents at the service of the brand
Cornilleau aimed to establish an even stronger brand image by highlighting its expertise and product advantages. To achieve this, the company recruited Michel Zany, whose mission was to bring a commercial and marketing dimension to Cornilleau. Michel, quickly promoted to Commercial Director, worked hand-in-hand with Pierre Cornilleau while actively structuring the company. Following a failed negotiation for a major promotion with a large hypermarket chain that only considered price, he announced his vision for the future: stop selling to hypermarkets and position the brand in the mid-to-high-end segment, while growing through major sporting goods chains and international markets. It was also during this period that the current Commercial Director, François Robert, joined the company.
"Pierre, we should stop selling in hypermarkets"
1993
A world champion as brand ambassador
Table tennis player Jean-Philippe Gatien, Olympic Silver Medalist in 1992 in Barcelona, became the brand's official ambassador. He immediately put his experience at the service of the company. A few months later, he won the 1993 World Champion title in Gothenburg. His track record makes him, to this day, the greatest French table tennis player of all time. A valuable collaboration began between Cornilleau and "Philou," driving future innovations and the support of future champions...
"One of the keys to success is pushing your limits; for the rest, trust us..."
1993
A World Champion as brand ambassador
The table tennis player Jean-Philippe Gatien, Olympic Silver Medalist in Barcelona in 1992, became the official ambassador for the brand. He immediately put his experience at the service of the company. A few months later, he won the 1993 World Champion title in Gothenburg. His track record makes him, to this day, the greatest French table tennis player of all time. A precious collaboration began between Cornilleau and "Philou" for future innovations and the support of upcoming champions...
"One of the keys to success is pushing your limits; for the rest, trust us..."
1995
The compact table: Pierre’s stroke of genius
Permanent innovation is the brand's major asset. When competition began to intensify and the Cornilleau range struggled to stand out, Pierre Cornilleau pushed innovation to the next level with a stroke of genius: the compact table. Once again, the brand made a massive impact in the world of ping-pong with a major invention that met the new demands of leisure players, particularly regarding safety and ergonomics.
"I already had a few sketches in my drawers ..."
1995
The compact table: Pierre’s stroke of genius
Permanent innovation is the brand’s greatest asset. When competition began to intensify and the Cornilleau range struggled to maintain its dominance, Pierre Cornilleau pushed innovation to the limit and came up with a stroke of genius: the compact table. Once again, the brand made a major impact on the world of ping-pong with a breakthrough invention that met the new demands of leisure players, particularly regarding safety and ergonomics.
"I already had a few sketches in my drawers..."
1998
The late 90s: the Cornilleau adventure expands its horizons
Globalization was accelerating. Convinced that Cornilleau's growth would depend on international markets, Michel Zany decided to strengthen his teams and implement a real action plan to conquer export markets. Over the years, Cornilleau products began to appear in every corner of the globe, and are now present on all 5 continents in more than 80 countries. Laurent Colussi Corte, a true globe-trotter, has been the face and the architect of Cornilleau's international development.
"Your growth engine since we started has been export!"
1998
Late 90s: the Cornilleau adventure expands its borders.
Globalization was accelerating. Convinced that Cornilleau's development would depend on international markets, Michel Zany decided to strengthen his teams and implement a real action plan to conquer export markets. Over the years, Cornilleau products have flourished in all four corners of the globe, and are today present on all 5 continents in more than 80 countries. Laurent Colussi Corte, a true globe-trotter, is the face and the architect of Cornilleau's international growth.
"Your growth engine since we started has been export!"
2000
The year 2000: tables, and so much more!
The 2000s marked a pivotal period for the brand: Pierre Cornilleau took his well-deserved retirement and handed over the reins to Michel Zany, who decided to diversify the product range. A line of leisure rackets endorsed by Jean-Philippe Gatien was quickly brought to market. Five years later, in collaboration with Michelin, Cornilleau broke new ground by developing a range of outdoor rackets made from polymer and elastomer composite materials. The technical director at the time, Stéphane Mithieux, was the key architect of this TACTEO project. The company thus strengthened its position as a table tennis specialist by offering a more complete and innovative range to the general public.
"We must continue to dare"
2000
The year 2000: tables, but not only!
The 2000s marked a pivotal period for the brand: Pierre Cornilleau took a well-deserved retirement and handed the reins to Michel Zany, who then decided to diversify the product range. A line of leisure rackets featuring Jean-Philippe Gatien was quickly brought to market. Five years later, in collaboration with Michelin, Cornilleau acted as a pioneer by developing a range of outdoor rackets made from polymer and elastomer composite materials. The technical director at the time, Stéphane Mithieux, was the driving force behind this TACTEO project. The company thus strengthened its position as a table tennis specialist by offering a more comprehensive and innovative range to the general public.
"We must continue to dare"
2009
Cornilleau takes the leap into competition
After revolutionizing the world of leisure ping-pong, Cornilleau prepared to elevate the brand to the highest level. To develop high-tech products for competitive players, the company recruited a team of marketing and R&D specialists, while simultaneously integrating Jean-Philippe Gatien into its marketing team. In 2010, Simon Gauzy joined Team Cornilleau, followed by Hugo Calderano two years later. Supporting these young athletes in their quest for excellence became a core focus for the company. Now among the world's elite, Simon and Hugo have become leisure ambassadors for the brand.
A true added value of sponsorship at Cornilleau, supporting athletes is the absolute priority of Jean-Philippe Gatien and Jean-René Mounié.
2009
Cornilleau takes the leap into competition.
After revolutionizing the world of leisure ping-pong, Cornilleau prepared to elevate the brand to the highest level. To develop high-tech products for competitive players, the company recruited a team of marketing and R&D specialists, while simultaneously integrating Jean-Philippe Gatien into its marketing team. In 2010, Simon Gauzy joined Team Cornilleau, followed by Hugo Calderano two years later. Supporting these young athletes in their quest for excellence became a core focus for the company. Now among the world's best, Simon and Hugo have also become leisure ambassadors for the brand.
A true added value of sponsorship at Cornilleau, supporting athletes is the absolute priority for Jean-Philippe Gatien and Jean-René Mounié.
2016
The product, always the product!
In his time, Pierre Cornilleau and his team were able to imagine the functional and safety innovations that created a decisive technological gap with the competition. Since then, we have built on this heritage by bringing a real "design" dimension to all of our products. The latest Crossover range of outdoor tables launched in 2016 is a perfect illustration of this. Design has been in Cornilleau's corporate culture for over fifteen years. By reaffirming our design culture and placing it at the center of our innovation strategy, we will only further strengthen our image and our leadership.
"The art of knowing how to link function to form has allowed us to stand out"
2016
The product, always the product!
In his time, Pierre Cornilleau and his team were able to imagine the functional and safety innovations that created a decisive technological gap with the competition. Since then, we have built on this heritage by bringing a real "design" dimension to all of our products. The latest Crossover range of outdoor tables launched in 2016 is the perfect illustration of this. Design has been part of Cornilleau's corporate culture for over fifteen years. By reaffirming our design culture and placing it at the center of our innovation strategy, we will only further strengthen our image and our leadership.
"The art of knowing how to link function to form is what allowed us to stand out"
2019
2019, More than just ping-pong
In its 50th year in the table tennis industry, Cornilleau wrote a new chapter in its history, once again driven by innovation. After making ping-pong an outdoor game, it was now time for billiards to be freed from many of its constraints. With Hyphen, a pool table resistant to impacts and weather conditions, new possibilities opened up for enthusiasts of the game and newcomers alike. Convertible into a garden table with sleek lines, it also appeals to lovers of design and beautiful objects.
"Just like ping-pong, billiards should naturally be able to be played outdoors"
2019
2019: More than just ping-pong
In the year of its 50th anniversary in table tennis, Cornilleau wrote a new chapter in its history, once again thanks to innovation. After having turned ping-pong into an outdoor game, it was now billiards' turn to see its practice freed from many constraints. With Hyphen, a shock-resistant and weather-resistant billiard table, new possibilities opened up for fans of the game as well as those who haven't tried it yet. Convertible into a garden table with sleek lines, it also appeals to lovers of design and beautiful objects.
"Just like ping-pong, billiards should naturally be able to be played outdoors"