In 1951, the Ministry of Economy appointed General Manager Maurice Huvelle to join a group of 15 delegates of the Federation of Belgian Industrialists (F.I.B.) to participate in a fact-finding visit to Central and South America. This was also Picañol’s first step into the region. Among the countries the delegation visited were Mexico, the Antilles (Cuba), Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The purpose of the trip was to explore the local sales areas. In addition to the outdated industries, dating from the time the first treaties with European countries were signed, new companies were gradually appearing. For foreign machine builders, a market would soon be opening up here, which Picañol also wanted to capitalize on. After his successful participation in the economic mission to South America, in 1952, Maurice Huvelle was appointed President of another Belgian Trade Mission to Iraq, Indonesia and Thailand. In particular, Iraq proved to be a country with great potential, where the secrets of spinning and weaving had been uncovered centuries beforehand. After the mission, Mr. Huvelle was praised for his leadership. His outstanding authority, courtesy and subtleness as well as his unquestionable competence, were well received. Indeed, his work was so remarkable that in January 1953 he was summoned to King Baudouin for the first time. During their conversation, it became evident that the young King highly valued the Westhoek’s largest enterprise. This marked the beginning of a rich history of Royal visits. (1965 picture in Peru, M. Huvelle with prince Albert and princess Paola)
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