For the first half of 2017 the Picanol group’s turnover increased by 11 per cent. The weaving machines division experienced strong first half in 2017, having ended 2016 with a well-filled order book. Increasing demand for technology and quality brought strong sales, especially in Asia, with share increases in many markets. As a result, Picanol placed a record number of weaving machines on the market in the first half of 2017. The industries division also had a strong first half-year thanks to the increased demand from weaving machines and projects at other customers, which allowed Proferro (foundry and mechanical finishing activities) and PsiControl (controllers) to realize strong revenue growth.

The Picanol Group closed the first half of 2017 with a net profit of €58.1 million, compared to €60.4 million in the first half of 2016. Picanol expects a slight increase in turnover over the full 2017 financial year compared to 2016 – the best year in the history of the group – but is taking into account a limited impact of rising commodity prices.

In 2016, the weaving machines division experienced a record breaking year. The growing demand for quality and technology created strong sales and an increased share in many markets. This resulted in Picanol’s putting a record number of weaving machines on the market in 2016, thereby especially focusing on dealing with production peaks.