Establishment of the spare parts department

In 1947, the company did not yet have a spare parts department; any parts required were manufactured and supplied by the engineering agency. However, along with the need for better coordination of machine monitoring and follow-up came the need for a more organized spare parts department. The company turned to Robert Bastil, who had been with the engineering agency for some time. Together with Gilbert Minnekeer, he managed the set-up of a new spare parts department. A fully qualified designer, Robert appeared to have the required capabilities to study problems on site and apply technical changes at the client’s location. At this moment in time, Picañol carried only one model of the ‘Omnium’, whereas the competition was marketing a broad range of narrow and light machines. Still, there were very few constructors that offered broad and robust weaving machines. As the name suggests, the Omnium was capable of processing many types of yarn, varying from light gauze, curtains and voiles to suits for workmen and ultra-strong corduroy fabrics. This would prove to be a key factor in the company’s success. It enabled Picañol to make more simple weaving machines, and offered its clients the added advantage of having to stock very few spare parts. Through close monitoring of the manufacturing process, the company was able to guarantee highly precise finishing of the spare parts. This added to the Omnium’s reputation as a highly reliable machine.