Picanol, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in weaving machines, has reached a remarkable milestone as it proudly marked the production of its 400,000th weaving machine. This historic achievement took place at the company’s plant in Ieper, Belgium, where the very first weaving machine was crafted in 1936, based on the visionary design of Spanish engineer Jaimé Picañol, the man behind the company’s name.
The 400,000th weaving machine, an OmniPlus-i Connect airjet wonder, is destined for a customer in India, underlining Picanol’s global reach and influence in the textile industry.
Johan Verstraete, the Vice President of Picanol’s Weaving Machines business, expressed the company’s pride and gratitude: “We are extremely proud of this achievement, which once again highlights our position as the global leader in weaving machines. Over the past decades, we have continually pushed our boundaries, always working in close partnership with customers. At the same time, we have remained true to our core mission – to design and manufacture innovative, high-tech weaving machines. This is the moment to thank all of our employees who have contributed to this milestone achievement. It is purely due to their commitment and dedication that Picanol has grown into the world leader it is today.”
Picanol’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation. Since producing its inaugural machine in 1936, the company has introduced over 20 new loom generations to the market, including its groundbreaking digital platform, PicConnect. Furthermore, at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Picanol unveiled the impressive Ultimax rapier weaving machine, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
Today, Picanol proudly stands as the technological leader in both airjet and rapier weaving machines, with production hubs in Ieper, Belgium, and Suzhou, China.
Weaving machine speeds have witnessed an astonishing evolution. The first shuttle weaving machine achieved a speed of approximately 140 weft insertions per minute. In contrast, today’s Ultimax rapier weaving machine can reach industrial speeds of more than 800 weft insertions per minute. The OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine takes speed to new heights, excelling at up to 1,350 weft insertions per minute, solidifying its position as the fastest airjet weaving machine globally.
Picanol’s weaving machines have become indispensable in more than 2,600 weaving mills across over 100 countries, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the global textile industry. This milestone underscores Picanol’s unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and its enduring legacy in weaving technology.
As Picanol continues to weave its story into the fabric of history, one can only anticipate what groundbreaking developments lie ahead in the world of textile machinery.