Lectra

   A software company specializing in CAD/CAM equipment and related services used by companies in the fashion industry, spanning the entire product lifecycle up to retailing. The company was formed in 1973 by engineers Jean and Bernard Etcheparre (French) and, in 1976, they launched their first apparel patternmaking and pattern-grading system. By 1986, the company became a world leader in computer-aided design (CAD) systems and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). However, in 1990, Lectra faced financial difficulties and was recapitalized by Daniel and André Harari. In 1993, they had a technological breakthrough with Vector, a new generation of fabric-cutting systems which quickly became the global industry standard. By 2002, Lectra offered products including the most advanced design software, mass-customization solutions, laser-cutting systems, and an Internet platform. In 2006, Lectra launched its product lifecycle management (PLM), dedicated to the management of the collections and product lifecycles. Lectra has established twenty-eight foreign subsidiaries and operates in one hundred countries.