In this new & insightful interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Borja Lopez, the President & CEO of Innerspec Technologies, a global leader in non-destructive testing (NDT) systems.
With over two decades of leadership, Borja has been instrumental in transforming Innerspec from a niche R&D organization into a multinational powerhouse with a presence across several countries. Throughout this conversation, Borja shares his journey into NDT, the strategies that have driven Innerspec’s growth, and his vision for the future of the industry. He also reflects on key projects, valuable lessons learned, and the importance of innovation in staying ahead of the curve.
From his perspective on global market differences to his approach to leadership and negotiation, this interview offers a rare look into the mind of a pioneering figure in the NDT space.
Hello Mr. Lopez, greetings of the day. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is Borja Lopez, and I’m the President & CEO of Innerspec Technologies, a position I’ve held since 2001. Over the years, Innerspec has grown from a niche R&D organization serving the domestic market into a multinational company providing non-destructive testing (NDT) systems across the globe, with offices in the U.S., Spain, UK, Mexico, China, and Bahrain. Before joining Innerspec, I worked as a management consultant and served as General Manager of a packaging plant in Spain.
… you’ve managed P&L across Europe and the U.S. What are some surprising differences between the two markets in terms of NDT?
The key differences lie in customer expectations and the overall business environment. European clients tend to emphasize cost reduction, while U.S. customers are more focused on revenue growth and are generally more open to trying new and unproven solutions.
What first drew you to non-destructive testing, and how did it evolve into a passion that’s shaped your career?
I came into NDT by chance when I joined Innerspec as a turnaround consultant. Turning the company around was more difficult and took longer than expected, and during that process, I fell in love with the technology and the industry. NDT manufacturing brings together physics, material science, manufacturing processes, electronics, software, mechanics, and controls—it’s extremely diverse and intellectually satisfying. We serve industries from automotive to aerospace, nuclear to rail. For someone who’s curious about how things work, it’s the perfect field. Every other industry seems boring by comparison.
… you’ve aimed to position Innerspec as a global leader in NDT. What’s your vision, and how are you executing it?
Our vision is to maintain our leadership in EMAT technology while becoming a global powerhouse in integrated industrial systems using advanced NDT techniques like EMAT, PAUT and ECA. Historically, NDT systems were used for quality control and final inspection, but today there's a shift toward using them to optimize manufacturing processes. We want to lead that transition.
What separates top NDT companies from the rest? What does it take to rise to the top?
Like in any field, industry leaders dream big, take calculated risks, and are relentless about execution. Attention to detail is key. Success in NDT demands a 24/7 commitment—it’s a full-time obsession.
… strategic partnerships have been part of your journey. Can you share one that made a big impact?
While we've explored several alliances, most have been short-lived. It’s challenging to align the goals and timelines of independent organizations—daily business demands and objectives often pull partners in different directions.
… you have deep experience in competitive analysis. How do you spot trends and stay ahead in the evolving NDT space?
Initially, we were alone in our niche—EMAT—so our analysis was straightforward: find potential applications for this new technique. That required developing many first-of-their-kind systems, which cultivated a culture of risk-taking, creativity, and resilience. As we entered into areas like robotic NDT, that same mindset has been our greatest asset to dominate these new fields.
… how important is product R&D in keeping Innerspec on the cutting edge, and what’s your most exciting innovation today?
R&D is in our DNA. I love product development and stay involved in every R&D project. Greatness is in the agency of others, and I've been fortunate to work with a brilliant team capable of turning dreams into reality. We pioneered the first portable EMAT system, the first 100% web-based NDT software, and more. Currently, we’re developing an incredible platform for robotic integrations and investing heavily in NDT-LINK, our cloud-based asset management tool.
Negotiation is an art. Can you recall a moment when your skills turned a setback into a major win?
Some of our toughest moments have come when systems didn’t perform as expected—whether due to our error or unforeseen conditions. There have been tense situations where customers nearly walked away, but we managed to convince them to give us another chance. Not every time, but often enough, those situations turned into major wins. Our persistence and honesty have earned us a solid reputation and are a big part of our success.
… of all your projects over the past 25+ years, which one has been the most fulfilling and why?
One standout project involved developing a system to inspect welded blanks for automotive components. It took years and many iterations to perfect. I’ll never forget a lunch with the GM of a major welded blank manufacturer, who told me his company wouldn’t be in business today without our system. It had made the difference between shutting down and continuing operations. That moment reminded me how meaningful our work can be and gave me energy for another decade!
… when expanding globally, how do you align marketing and sales to not just reach, but truly impact new markets?
Repeat business is the clearest indicator of impact. If a customer buys a second system, you’re doing something right.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes story of a tricky negotiation and how you handled it?
I’ve been involved in hundreds of negotiations and many of them have been very tricky. No matter how much you try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes it is not uncommon to be surprised. The best deals are typically well balanced without big winners or losers. You may have a temporary win, but if the other party cannot live with the outcome it will eventually fall apart. One-sided deals never work in the long-term. .
… how do you stay ahead of the curve with the latest NDT tech and trends?
It’s easier than ever to track what others are doing. I attend conferences, engage with customers, and keep a close eye on the competition. Competition will always keep you sharp.
Looking ahead, where do you see NDT having the biggest impact in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and energy?
NDT advances are typically incremental, not revolutionary. We deal in materials and physics which is a world of manybase hits, and extremely few home runs. That said, we’re actively using AI in both our systems and in tools like NDT-LINK. We're always looking for ways to integrate new technologies to improve our offerings.
… balancing short-term goals with long-term innovation is tricky. How do you manage it?
We probably lean too heavily into long-term innovation, which may not be the most profitable in the short-term, but it’s who we are. That approach has served us well, and we don’t plan to change.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting in NDT who wants to make a lasting impact?
It all starts with the product. Listen to the customer, understand their application, and focus on the details. Master your technology. Benchmark your product. Look at many A-scans! See the results with your own eyes.
Finally, what are your thoughts on OnestopNDT? Do you believe our platform is helping the industry and connecting professionals?
It’s not easy to create a common space in such a diverse industry, but OnestopNDT does an excellent job staying current and relevant. You’re a great source of information, and I congratulate you on your success!
