Belgium-based weaving machinery manufacturer Picanol Group has announced it will recruit 50 temporary workers at its Ypres plant in an effort to manage the current production peak it is experiencing as a result of increased global demand for its weaving machines. The company is recruiting technicians, production workers, CNC-operators and deburrers; and has approximately 25 additional openings for positions including R&D engineers, information technology specialists, service and field technicians, and international trainees.

In other company news, Picanol's U.S. subsidiary, Picanol of America Inc., is relocating its headquarters in Greenville to accommodate its expanded sales, machine repair and replacement parts operation. The company has acquired an 18,000-square-foot building in the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center that it is upfitting to include custom space for administrative and sales offices; a training center for customers and employees; an electronic and mechanical workshop for equipment repairs and customization; and a warehouse of spare parts for rapid-response customer support. Picanol of America is planning to move to the new location in early September.

"Our goal with this initiative is to send a clear signal about Picanol's commitment to the North American marketplace and to our customers here in the United States, many of whom are concentrated in the Southeast and Texas, that we are here to support them and to help them grow and prosper as they emerge from the challenges that the textile industry has experienced over the last decade," said Cyril Guerin, president, Picanol of America.

July 10, 2012