80 Years of Bounce
Since 1946, Cornilleau has moved through the ages, driven by the same unwavering commitment: to create durable, innovative products that resonate with their era. For 80 years, the brand has continually evolved, pioneered new paths, and adapted to society’s changes—all while staying true to its core identity.
At Cornilleau, the bounce is more than just a move in the game. It’s a way to move forward, to reinvent itself without ever compromising on what matters most. Our lasting ambition? To design and manufacture in France high-quality, durable, and stylish sports and leisure products that foster connections and joy. It’s an ambition we responsibly pursue, in the service of living French craftsmanship.
A French Story, in Step
with Society’s Evolution
Cornilleau’s story is intertwined with that of French society—a brand that has observed, sometimes anticipated, and always responded to the changing ways of life with precision.
It all began in postwar France, as the country rebuilt itself. In Bonneuil-les-Eaux, Oise, the company initially contributed to restoring local homes. Founded by Émile Cornilleau and specializing in woodwork, the Cornilleau workshops were renowned for their craftsmanship and took part in numerous projects. A few years later, as France entered the era of leisure, Cornilleau made a decisive shift.
In 1969, the BHV department store wanted to introduce a new product to its shelves: table tennis tables. They turned to Cornilleau, who stepped up to the challenge despite the tight deadline to produce the 300 tables requested. The company quickly transformed, becoming a specialist in table tennis. This pivot already revealed something essential about Cornilleau: its ability to read the times and respond with agility.
In the 1980s, as gardens took on a new role in family life, Cornilleau recognized that outdoor spaces were becoming true extensions of the home—places for dining, entertaining, playing, and sharing moments with family and friends. The brand then pioneered the outdoor table tennis table, designed to withstand the elements for years to come. The way people played changed so dramatically that today, most recreational table tennis is enjoyed outdoors.
To meet customer expectations and stand out from competitors, Cornilleau made an early commitment to durability at a time when mass consumption was rising. The brand doubled down on its Made in France ethos, continuously evolving its production tools and fostering a robust network of local partners. It also met growing demands for practicality, safety, and ergonomics with compact foldable tables.
From the late 1980s to the 2000s, as society turned increasingly toward entertainment and events, television grew in prominence in households, and sports gained visibility. Cornilleau recruited two French table tennis legends in succession. Jacques Secrétin, known for his spectacular shows, helped make table tennis popular and accessible to the wider public. Jean-Philippe Gatien, meanwhile, transformed perceptions of the sport, making it more demanding and thrilling. He later joined the company to develop its competitive line.
In the 2000s, Cornilleau continued to adapt to changing practices, playing an active role in the rise of table tennis in public spaces and community spaces with robust, dedicated tables that captured the market.
The brand established itself as a leader in serving the table tennis market in all its forms, catering to every audience: competitors, recreational players, and local authorities. It also developed outdoor paddles—far more durable than traditional black-and-red models. These early diversifications paved the way for further innovation.
In the 2010s, gardens became true living rooms. People began designing and decorating them, with aesthetics taking center stage. This trend accelerated during lockdowns and became firmly rooted in the 2020s. Cornilleau took it a step further with Play-Style, its range of designer game furniture. Pool tables, foosball tables, and table tennis tables were now designed as genuine pieces of furniture—just as pleasing to look at as they were to use. Staying true to its roots, the brand broke conventions to meet new lifestyle demands.
Through this journey, Cornilleau also tells a story of French society: a nation that moved from postwar reconstruction to leisure, and from leisure to a broader art de vivre—one where well-being, conviviality, attention to living spaces, and an appreciation for beautiful objects play an ever-greater role.
80 Years of Innovation
1969
300 Tables for Christmas
BHV Paris challenged Cornilleau to produce 300 table tennis tables for Christmas! In just a few months, the artisan workshop transformed into a high-performance factory. Thanks to Émile’s boldness and his son Pierre’s vision, the company rose to the challenge brilliantly.
1982
Jacques Secrétin
More than just a manufacturer, Cornilleau wanted to become a reference brand! Following advice from a COOP buyer and aiming to develop Cornilleau’s image, Pierre Cornilleau, now the company director, invited Jacques Secrétin—multiple French champion and 1976 European champion—to design exceptional tables. The table tennis player marked Cornilleau’s history by bringing his expertise to the design of competition tables. The "420" table became the "420 Secrétin", adding renown to the brand’s existing quality and value.
1993
A World Champion Ambassador
Table tennis player Jean-Philippe Gatien, Olympic silver medalist in Barcelona in 1992, became the brand’s official ambassador. A few months later, he won the title of 1993 World Champion in Gothenburg. His track record makes him, to this day, the greatest French table tennis player of all time. Between Cornilleau and “Philou,” a valuable collaboration began, paving the way for future innovations and supporting the champions of tomorrow.
2022
Together We Play
Following the success of outdoor pool tables, Cornilleau expanded its range with an outdoor foosball table and a convertible table tennis table. More models of table tennis and pool tables quickly followed.
This new range of designer game furniture, named "Play-Style", continues to grow and reach new audiences.
A Human Adventure
Cornilleau’s success is built on its products, but first and foremost on the men and women who know how to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. Since its founding in 1946, the company has had three presidents, each bringing their own vision and energy to make Cornilleau the brand it is today.
Émile Cornilleau
President from 1946 to 1979
Woodworking Craftsmanship
When he left Paris for Oise on the advice of his in-laws, Émile aimed to put his carpentry skills to use and opened his workshop to contribute to postwar reconstruction. Thus, Établissements Cornilleau was born, thriving under his leadership in the construction sector with a workforce of around twenty by the late 1960s.
Pierre Cornilleau
President from 1979 to 2003
Innovation and Industrialization of Table Tennis Tables
In 1961, Pierre joined his father after completing his studies. His technical expertise, instinct, and industrial vision led Cornilleau to a complete transformation, shifting from construction to table tennis in 1969. He focused on design, ergonomics, safety, performance, and durability, constantly innovating to make Cornilleau the leader in its sector. His success is inseparable from Colette, his wife and alter ego in the company, who brought in Jacques Secrétin in the early 1980s, creating an extremely fruitful partnership for the brand’s renown.
Michel Zany
President since 2003
Internationalization and Diversification
Joining as Sales and Marketing Director in 1992, Michel spent 11 years alongside Pierre, who passed on the company’s values and DNA. Michel brought an entrepreneurial vision and succeeded in exporting Cornilleau’s expertise worldwide. After becoming President in 2003 following Pierre’s retirement, he perpetuated and enriched the spirit of his predecessors by innovating further and conquering new markets. He paved the way for diversifying the brand’s offerings, with a complete line of table tennis paddles and accessories (2000s) and the launch of an outdoor pool table (2019), quickly followed by other products like trampolines and foosball tables.
Hélène Lupette
CEO since 2024
A New Chapter
Appointed CEO in 2024, Hélène Lupette forms a complementary duo with Michel Zany. Having joined ten years earlier as Procurement Manager, she quickly expanded her responsibilities to include supply chain, R&D, production, IT, and the creation of Cornilleau Steel. She has always known how to push boundaries with pragmatism and exacting standards. Deeply people-oriented, she extends the Cornilleau spirit by bringing a vision based on collective intelligence.