Picanol Group officially opened its new headquarters in Ieper on Friday, April 25, in the presence of Belgium’s Prime Minister, Bart De Wever. The modern, sustainable work and meeting place has an impressive floor area of 20,000 square meters, providing the necessary space for the further growth of Picanol, Psicontrol, and Proferro. The new headquarters was built on the existing company site in Ieper and is connected to the production departments located on the site. CEO Luc Tack stressed that this investment not only marks the sustainable anchoring of the company in Ieper but also confirms the company’s belief in the future of manufacturing, while the Belgian Prime Minister underlined the importance of the country’s industry for the prosperity and growth of Belgian society.
“Our new headquarters provide a work and meeting place for our employees that is pleasant and open – as well as a stylish customer reception area. This investment is necessary for the further growth of our companies – Picanol, Psicontrol, and Proferro. It also confirms our belief in the future of the Belgian manufacturing industry. By continuing to invest in top technology, automation, and digitalization, we can maintain our prominent, global role as a weaving machine manufacturer and as a supplier of electronic controllers and cast iron parts,” explains CEO Luc Tack.
“In times of international economic turbulence, it is more important than ever that our country and its social fabric are supported by a robust economy. An economy like that of West Flanders is formed of strong, locally-anchored businesses with a long history, such as Picanol Group. This investment by Picanol Group shows that it shares my belief in the future of manufacturing in our country and puts its shoulder to the wheel,” says Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
A future-oriented building, with a nod to Picanol’s history
Designed by AAVO Architects, the new building has been constructed in the shape of a weaving shuttle – which is architecturally consistent with Picanol’s history as a weaving machine manufacturer. The headquarters consists of a basic, two-story structure that includes a spacious lobby, visitor reception areas, meeting rooms, an auditorium, and offices. The three upper oval floors contain offices, meeting rooms, and a company restaurant with a roof terrace that offers spectacular views of Ieper and the surrounding hills. The open, transparent architecture promotes interaction between the various departments. Vehicular access to the new headquarters is via newly constructed access and exit ramps on the nearby Zuiderring (ring road). Bicycle traffic from the Zuiderring will access the new headquarters via a new bicycle tunnel passing under the vehicular access and exit ramps. The new building will accommodate 450 Picanol Group employees. Worldwide, Picanol Group employs 2,200 people, including more than 1,300 in Ieper. Picanol Group also provides significant employment via its local suppliers.
Sustainability central to the design
Construction work began in September 2022 and took some two and a half years to complete. It was carried out by the main contractor, Alheembouw, with the cooperation of numerous, mainly local partners. The building incorporates state-of-the-art technology and materials to make it as sustainable and energy-friendly as possible. This includes using ground heat (via geothermal energy) to heat and cool the building. Rainwater recovery has been maximized and there is also a green roof area. The design of the environment surrounding the building will follow the latest insights into soft nature management.
Enhanced employer attractiveness
The stylish new office building incorporates a range of meeting facilities, a company restaurant with a healthy, varied daily menu, showers for after exercise, and several outdoor areas – all in a beautiful setting with spectacular views. This makes Picanol Group even more attractive as a leading employer in the Westhoek region. “The new headquarters offers our people every opportunity to optimize the way we work together. It will also work to our advantage in regard to the recruitment of new talent,” said Luc Tack.