Lectra invests in new AI solutions with French specialist AQC

Lectra, a French specialist in industrial intelligence solutions active in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, continues to integrate AI into its processes and has recently purchased a 30% stake in AQC, a French company specialized in automatic recognition of textile defects using machines. learning tools.

A textile quality control device developed by AQC – AQC

Lectra has invested €1.3 million in AQC, laying the foundations for a strategic partnership between the companies. AQC was founded in 2019 and will use the funding to fuel its expansion, while its AI-based quality control tools will add new solutions to the software, cutting equipment and analysis tools that Lectra offers to brands and manufacturers.

“AQC aims to bring textile quality control into the era of Industry 4.0 and address sustainability challenges, objectives that are perfectly aligned with the Lectra group's strategy,” said Maximilien Abadie, chief strategy officer and chief product officer at Lectra. “This strategic partnership will allow our customers to benefit from AQC's expertise and will strengthen Lectra's value proposition by adding an additional link in the value chain for our fashion customers,” he added.

In mid-September, Lectra announced another major investment in AI. The French company bought an 18% stake in Singapore-based Six Atomic in a financing round worth €2.5 million. Six Atomic gives brands and manufacturers the opportunity to create modular pattern libraries, using artificial intelligence tools to reduce the time it takes to develop their collections.

In 2023, Lectra suffered the consequences of an adverse business climate and its revenue fell 6% to €477.6 million. However, in the first half of 2024 the company showed signs of recovery, recording a 9% revenue increase.