The story of LASER COMPONENTS began in the fall of 1981. Turbulent times caused Günther Paul sleepless nights. He had a decision to make: to head up sales at Coherent Systems in Germany or found his own company and sell components. He was drawn to the components and went into business for himself!
In cooperation with CVI and Fort, L.C. Laser Components GmbH was founded in June of 1982 with Günther Paul as managing director. Even then Günther Paul knew that he had always wanted to have his own production facilities. A coating facility for laser optics was initially opened to serve the European market with customer-specific coatings.
Strategic development. A lot has happened in the past 30 years, and yet LASER COMPONENTS has remained true to itself. The strategic plan to commit itself completely to components in different markets has worked out for the best. The decision to open up in-house production facilities was also the right one. Close and trusting partnerships with premium suppliers who complement the product portfolio are valued by our customers. Such close collaboration makes it possible to pursue customer-specific product developments – from single pieces to series production.
Family-run business. Günther Paul became the sole owner of the company in 1989, and it has been a family-run business ever since. Patrick Paul, one of the founder’s sons, has been managing since 2006, and he has since taken over responsibility of the entire group of companies.
LASER COMPONENTS went from being an unknown start-up company to one of Germany’s top companies. The product portfolio continues to expand, and now subsidiaries in the U.S.A., the U.K., and France have joined the group.
A close connection between each division of the company is part of the company culture. “We know you” – and that simplifies many things (whether dealing with fast product adjustments or new developments, marketing campaigns targeted at the international market, or transnational R&D projects). Everything comes from one place. Products manufactured in house are becoming more and more intertwined.
Our employees are our greatest capital. When we speak of a “family-run business,” we are not only talking about the Paul family. At LASER COMPONENTS, our employees feel like part of the LC family, too. We have even celebrated a few 20-year anniversaries!
Simply the best. The facility at our headquarters is being expanded just in time for our anniversary. Our staff will be able to take advantage of a new cafeteria, and guests will be able to enjoy our new and modern conference room. The track is laid for the future. We are looking forward to new and exciting customer projects; we have several new ideas. Nothing stands still at LASER COMPONENTS.
Developmental Timeline of Our Production Facilities
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| 1986 Hard dielectric coatings for laser optics | 2001 Investment in LT Lasertools GmbH – Laser based measurement systems | |
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| 1987 Investment in Blau Optoelektronik GmbH FLEXPOINT® laser modules | 2002 LASER COMPONENTS Canada Pulsed laser diodes | |
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| 1993 Lead-salt lasers | 2004 LASER COMPONENTS Detector Group APDs and IR detectors | |
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| 1995 Fiber assemblies | 2008 Precision optics | |
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| 1998 Packaging technology for III-V semiconductors | 2010 Photon counting modules |
