The first rapier weaving machine

At the ITMA-exhibition in Milan in 1975, Picañol introduced the PGW. The PGW was the first Picañol weaving machine without a flying shuttle,which at that time continued to be used by the still young gripper insertion technology (PGW stands for Picañol Gripper Weaving machine). This technology allowed for a simplified way of weaving different weft threads (colors), and opened new sectors for Picañol, such as wool and upholstery weaving mills. The machine reached a production speed of 240 weft insertions per minute.

The engineering department was transferred to the Zonnebeekseweg in
May 1975. From the personnel magazine of 1975: “Let us just emphasize
that the environment in which our Engineering department is located is
truly unique. Located in the middle of fields and meadows where peace and
tranquility reign, indispensable factors to carry out research and development
effectively”. Also in 1975, a new dispatch hall was built on the grounds of the Karel Steverlyncklaan. Both the road and the railway track became the property of Picañol, providing trucks and railway carriages with direct access to the loading
pit. The old loading pit was closed and transformed into a new assembly hall.

Belgian trade exhibition in Beijing

In April 1975, a trade exhibition took place in Beijing with 28 Belgian companies participating, including Picañol. It was only the second time that Picañol was present in the People’s Republic of China. Our CM-SB/MDC-machine with positive let-off and independent take-up in MDC-version was a major attraction. Sales Director Louis Motte happily observes...

Miss England advertising Picañol weaving machines

Picañol regularly uses ‘beautiful people’ in the sales of its weaving machines. Miss England, and later Miss World 1974, Helen Morgan, advertised Picañol weaving machines at the open day of Premier Mill (United Kingdom). Also in 1974, Picañol officially inaugurated the automatic assembly line. Each shift had 12 minutes to finish its assembly work, following which a bell would sound and the loom moved on. Thanks to this new method, over forty machines could be assembled each day. The machines in the production departments were also replaced. Among others, two ‘Olivetti’ numerically controlled coordinate drilling and milling machines were purchased. The functioning of the new technology was explained to Charles and Bernard Steverlynck (picture).

The first electronically controlled flying shuttle machine

At the ITMA exhibition in Paris (1971), Picañol surprises the textile industry with the MDC, the world’s first electronically controlled fl ying shuttle machine. MDC stands for Mono Disc Control, referring to the electromagnetically controlled clutch-and brake unit which makes it possible to increase the speed of this 188 cm machine to 220 picks per minute. The MDC is also the first weaving machine with pushbuttons instead of levers.