Siemens Xcelerator powers digital transformation for next-generation smart weaving machines

(See Siemens at Machine Building North, 13 May 2026, on stand 50)

Founded more than 80 years ago in Belgium, Picanol develops, manufactures and sells high-tech weaving machines based on airjet and rapier technology and employs more than 1,200 people globally. Picanol is using Siemens' Designcenter NX software for advanced product engineering alongside Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management (PLM) to streamline operations, reduce customisations, adopt out-of-the-box processes and workflow and create connections to its enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) systems.

Picanol is also using Simcenter software to leverage Siemens' digital twin technology for product performance optimisation and sustainable, energy-efficient machine design.

"Siemens is leading us on our digital transformation journey. Its consistent support, local presence and deep understanding of our business made them the clear choice," said Johan Verstraete, vice-president Weaving Machines, Picanol. "Teamcenter capabilities will help us manage the ever-increasing complexity of our products and better cope with the high configurability and variability which uniquely defines each Picanol weaving machine as a tailor-made solution for our valued customers."

The decision also extends to Psicontrol, part of Picanol Group, which will adopt Teamcenter as its collaboration platform to support the digital development process and manufacturing of next-generation controller hardware and software - further strengthening the digital thread across the organisation.

"By leveraging Siemens Xcelerator, Picanol is designing and validating its incredible complex machines virtually before they are built, improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. This digital-first strategy enables them to create high-performance weaving platforms that meet customer needs while supporting long-term sustainability goals," said Patrick Fokke, vice president for Benelux, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

"We are delighted to extend our decade-spanning collaboration and that Picanol will continue to use the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to support its strategic decision-making."