2011
At the four-yearly ITMA textile machinery exhibition in late September in Barcelona, Picanol celebrates its 75th anniversary with the introduction of two new products: the new high-end airjet weaving machine OMNIplus Summum and the positive rapier weaving machine (for very wide fabrics up to 540 cm). More information about 75 years of Picanol Group on http://www.75yearsofpicanolgroup.blogspot.com/
In September, the Picanol Group signed an agreement regarding the sale of the Steel Heddle activities of GTP Greenville to Groz-Beckert KG. The Picanol gravity point in Greenville continues its operations under a new legal entity, Picanol of America Inc.
2010
Early June saw the 300,000th weaving machine pass the end of the production line since production first commenced in Ypres.
2009
In the beginning of July, a capital increase was successfully completed. Chris Dewulf resigns on 9 July 2009 as managing director, and is replaced by Luc Tack.
2008
New organizational structure
In 2008 the Picanol Group launched a new organizational structure based on three pillars: Weaving Solutions, Mechatronics and Manufacturing.
2007
New rapier weaving machine
In 2007 the Picanol Group launched two new rapier weaving machines, the OptiMax and the GT-Max.
2006
New organization structure
In March 2006, a new organization structure was implemented with an increased focus on the weaving machine activities (division Weaving Machines) and focus on the OEM business (division OEM Business).
2005
OMNIplus 800
In April, the Picanol Group launched the airjet weaving machine OMNIplus 800. With this weaving machine, the Picanol Group sets the standard for profitable airjet weaving. Also in April, Chris Dewulf joined the group as President & CEO.
2003
Expansion in Mexico, France en Spain
In February 2003, HRH Prince Philippe of Belgium officially opened GTP Mexico in the former buildings of Pegaso, a local reed producer that was taken over in May 2002. On July 1, the Picanol Group further expands its global network with the acquisition of a.o. the French company Burcklé. The group also opened two new gravity points in Bandung and São Paulo.
Stock split
On May 2 Picanol proceeded to a stock split of 1 to The share is included in the NextPrimesegment and the NextPrime-index.
2002
Inauguration of the YTC
In April, the Picanol Group inaugurates its new headquarters in Ypres, the YTC or Ypres Textile Center. The new headquarters houses R&D, Sales, IT & Finance, Human Resources and the Picanol Management.
Flemish World Player Award
At the end of June Picanol received the Flemish World Player Award, which is presented to a Flemish company that distinguishes itself with an aggressive international growth strategy.
Te Strake Textile & Lhenry
At the end of September the Picanol Group took over the feeder and airjet nozzle activities of the Dutch company Te Strake BV, the world leader in air insertion technology. In November the Picanol Group acquires the French reed producer Lhenry.
2001
Acquisition of Steel Heddle Inc.
At the turn of the year, Picanol acquires the assets of the textile department of the American company Steel Heddle Inc. and the shares of the Belgian company Verbrugge NV. In doing so, Picanol enters the textile machinery accessories market.
2000
Launch of OMNIplus
The OMNIplus is launched as successor of the revolutionary Omni. The OMNIplus also makes use of the Switched Reluctance drive technology (Sumo) and offers the possibility to lean and flexible manufacturing.
1999
Picanol Suzhou Textile Machinery Ltd.
Picanol acquires the remaining 40% of the shares in SPT and establishes Picanol Suzhou Textile Machinery Ltd. (PST), a 100% daughter of Picanol.
1998
Günne Webmaschinenfabrik
Picanol extends its product range with the acquisition of Günne Webmaschinenfabrik, a German manufacturer of special weaving machines.
1997
Acquisition of Amtech
Picanol acquires Amtech, a local Chinese supplier of the production line in Suzhou.
Introduction of Gamma
Picanol introduces the highly successful Gamma, a rapier weaving machine using the Switched Reluctance Drive technology. The Gamma is also equipped with the Quick Style Change system.
1994
Expansion in China
Picanol further expands in China. With the establishment of the joint venture Suzhou Picanol Textile Machinery (SPT), 60 % owned by Picanol, Picanol starts producing textile machinery in China.
1993
ISO 9001 certification
Picanol is the first weaving machine manufacturer to obtain the ISO 9001 certification in July 1993.
1992
Quick Style Change system
Picanol introduces a new airjet generation in the early nineties. The Delta and Omni airjet weaving machines both use this technology and are equipped with the unique Quick Style Change system, which enables a total style change in less than 30 minutes by 1 person.
1989
Creation Proferro
In September Proferro NV is created, a 100% daughter of Picanol. Also in 1989 Picanol participates in the electronics company Protronic.
1988
Participation in Melottte
Picanol takes a minority participation in Melotte, a mould manufacturer from Zonhoven.
1987
Patrick Steverlynck becomes CEO and Chairman
Mr. Patrick Steverlynck succeeds his father Emmanuel Steverlynck as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The company builds a new administration center (Rekencentrum) in Ypres, where the departments sourcing & production planning are located.
Also in 1987, the Picanol Service Center was built out in Shanghai, providing local services to the Chinese customers.
1985
Bi-directional communication
At ATME - Greenville of this year, the bi-directional communication between an on-board processor and a central computer is demonstrated. From now on, all Picanol weaving machines are electronically controlled by microprocessors.
1983
Breakthrough
At ITMA in Milan, Picanol is first to show an airjet and rapier weaving machine monitored and controlled by microprocessor technology. The GTM rapier symbolizes a breakthrough in the electronically controlled, shuttle-less rapier weaving machine industry.
1980
Presentation of PAT
By 1980, the revolutionary PAT weaving machine was developed, using the airjet insertion technology. The PAT was presented at the ATME exhibition in Greenville.
1976
Chairman
After the death of Bernard Steverlynck, Emmanuel Steverlynck succeeds his brother as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The old foundry in the Polenlaan closes down.
1975
Presentation of PGW
In 1975, the company presents the PGW at ITMA Milan. The PGW is the first Picanol shuttleless weaving machine and uses the new rapier insertion technology.
Modern research center
In view of the importance of research for the further growth of the company, Picanol put a new research center into use (with a test weaving mill) in 1975.
1971
Introduction of the MDC
At the ITMA exhibition in Paris, Picanol surprises the textile industry with the introduction of the MDC, the world's first electronically controlled shuttle weaving machine.
1970
Chairman and CEO
Bernard Steverlynck succeeds his father Charles Steverlynck as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His brother Emmanuel Steverlynck is appointed as CEO.
1966
Picanol on the Stock Exchange
In 1966, Picanol quotes for the first time on the Brussels Stock Exchange.
1963
Investing in new production halls
The company invests in new production halls. An automatic foundry and new assembly line, having a capacity of 10,000 shuttle machines per year, are built outside the city center of Ypres.
1951
Presentation of the President
At ITMA in Lille, Picanol presents the President, the automatic weaving machine with which Picanol conquered the world. More than 160,000 President Machines were sold, making the name of Picanol known and respected throughout the weaving world.
1940
1 per day
Picanol produces 1 Omnium automatic flying shuttle machine per day in the workshops in Ypres.
1936
The beginning
In 1936, the Belgian industrialist Charles Steverlynck set up the company Weefautomaten Picañol NV.
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