For more than half a century, the Picanol Group has been playing a pioneering role as a developer and manufacturer of highly-productive weaving systems. In 1971 it introduced the world’s first electronically-controlled weaving machine. It was also the first weaving machine constructor to gain ISO 9001 certification. Since 1966 the company has been quoted on ‘Euronext Brussels’ under the ticker PIC. The strategy of the Picanol Group is based on three pillars: ‘Systems’, ‘Services’ and ‘Technology’. Via ‘Systems’, Picanol develops, produces and sells technologically-advanced weaving machines for the textile industry. GTP, Global Textile Partner, is the ‘Services’ provider, offering an extensive range of services to the textile industry worldwide. The ‘Technology’ pillar develops, produces and sells hi-tech components and solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers. In addition to its headquarters in Ypres, the Picanol Group has branches in the USA, Asia and Europe. Worldwide, 2,600 weaving mills have opted for Picanol, amounting to some 80,000 individual weaving machines. For 2002 the consolidated turnover was 519.4 million EUR. Today the group employs 2,500 people.