The inauguration

The major festivities took place on Monday 30 October 1961. The inauguration of the industrial zone in the Kasteelwijk Quarter was a milestone in the industrialization of south-west Flanders. The inauguration was performed by the then Prime Minister Theo Lefèvre. In addition to the Prime Minister, the presence was also noted of Achiel Van Acker, Senate President, Spinoy, Minister of Economic Affairs, Declerck, Minister for Small and Medium-sized Businesses, Gillon, Minister of State and many other public figures. At the same time, the first buildings of ‘The New Factory’ were officially inaugurated. This related to the new assembly hall with a length of 180 meters and a width of 42 meters. From that moment onwards, 25 looms would leave the assembly line per day, 95% of which were destined for export to other countries. The pre-assembled sets were screwed together on 18 synchronized assembly posts, which meant that in 27 minutes the loom could be moved up to the next post. They were the first steps towards a future automated assembly line. Under the expert guidance of Guido Manhaeve, the Head of the assembly department, fully tuned machines were delivered to the shipping department where, in those days, they would predominantly be shipped from the loading dock to their destination by rail.

Looking for a new location

Where production in the early years was adjusted to four machines per day, this had already been increased to eighteen. Gradually, the company experienced the scenario where the demand for weaving machines began to exceed the production capacity. The average of 140 machines per week was no longer sufficient to meet all of the orders that were coming in. Due to the increased demand, the company was starting to lack sufficient space for assembling the looms. Therefore, it was decided to move to another location. In order to be able to meet the demand for new industrial grounds, a 19-hectare area between the Menensteenweg and Ieper-Roeselare railway line was equipped as industrial ground. Due to the ever present need for employment in the region, the construction and equipping of a new industrial zone had become more than a necessity. Thanks to the efforts of Albert Dehem, the Ieper Mayor, and some industrialists, this new business location would provide a new momentum for employment in Ieper. Approximately 10 hectares of this new industrial zone had been reserved for Picañol. In the spring of 1961, important works were performed on the new industrial zone along the Quarter Kasteelwijk. Cranes hoisted heavy beams for the construction of an impressive assembly hall. And after a few months, the machinery and spare parts of the complex along the Polenlaan could already be taken to the new site.

Picañol in Atlantic City

In 1960, Picañol participated in a big trade fair in the U.S. A huge show for textile machinery takes place in Atlantic City every four years, with international participants. Picañol was also represented and the President loom was the center of attention, which paved the way for major prospects regarding the introduction into the immense textile industry of the U.S. In the photo from left to right G. Bruynooghe, our field technicians Eichele, Dumerie and Carrein, Emmanuel Steverlynck and H.B. Hess. Picañol also successfully participated in the fair in Greenville.

The first Flemish celebrities pay us a visit

Social life also continued at full speed. At the time, Picañol possessed thriving and active football, basketball and music associations. Thanks to Sint-Elooi, musical revues had already been offered in Ieper for several years, offering many talented employees the opportunity to do their thing on stage. For example, the Ieper Operetta Society, already established in 1956, was made up mainly of Picañol employees. The group was also constantly looking for reinforcement: “We would like to address a special appeal to all employees, their families, and any friends, to join us in bringing new impetus to Picañol and Ieper's recreational life. We can use anyone - they don't all have to be up there with Mathilde, Philidoors or Hypoliets, much less Maria Callases, B.B.’s, Louis Armstrongs, or any of the like…” The first Flemish celebrities visited us during the social activities and this saw Tante Ria (Aunt Ria) and Nonkel Bob (Uncle Bob) stop by our Workshops.

Farewell to the Omnium

In 1960, the decision was made to take the ‘Omnium’ out of the production program, leaving only the 'President' in a series of narrower types. The Omnium had proven to be a success. From the end of the Second World War, Picañol had manufactured more than 8,000 Omniums. Gradually, the demand for wider machines grew and the company decided to expand the range of products with a series of machines suitable for wider cotton fabrics as well as heavier materials. With the use of as many parts of the existing products as possible, two new types were launched.

In the Holy Land

Due to growing interest from African countries, all attention was centered on that continent. Stimulated by Emmanuel Steverlynck, numerous visits to Egypt, Sudan and Saudi Arabia followed and several major projects in Sudan slowly took off. This provided Picañol with the opportunity of supplying thousands of looms to this African country. For these 'turnkey' projects, the supplier of the machines was responsible for starting up the looms and the corresponding weaving tests. The supplied machines were not purchased until positive test results were attained. Meanwhile, Charles Steverlynck was in Israel to discuss the possible creation of a new company. This resulted in an agreement to establish an assembly plant near the Mediterranean Sea at Ashdod, about 35 km from the capital Tel Aviv. The local government had plans to build a port in the fall of 1960, and make this city the main southern port city of Israel. In the presence of numerous guests, the new company ‘Metapic’ was officially launched on 12 May 1960. Pinhas Sapir, the Israeli Minister of Trade and Industry, cut the symbolic ribbon. Assembling the looms outside of Ieper enabled Picañol to shorten delivery times for the region of the Near East. And by establishing this assembly hall, Metapic became the first Belgian company to establish itself in Israel under its own name, and additionally, the only one tending to the production of looms.