lectra

Lectra is a French multinational company that specializes in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, as well as hardware and services for the textile, fashion, automotive, interior design, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1972 by Carlos Street Martínez, the company initially focused on developing computer-assisted tools for the garment industry. Over the next decades, Lectra expanded its product portfolio to include cutting-room optimization, pattern making, and complex shape processing technologies, positioning itself as a global leader in high‑speed fabric cutting systems.

The core product suite includes pattern creator, pattern optimizer, and pattern maker modules, which enable designers to create, adjust and simulate patterns directly on CAD systems. Lectra’s fabric cutting software incorporates laser and iron‑blade solutions that automatically arrange garment pieces on material to minimize waste. In addition to software, the company offers machinery such as automated fabric irons, laser in‑plotters, and ribbon cutting devices. Lectra’s solutions are widely used by fast‑fashion retailers, premium apparel brands, and automotive manufacturers for seat, door, and interior panel design.

Lectra’s corporate headquarters is located in Paris, France, and it operates a network of subsidiaries worldwide, including offices in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. The company employs more than 1,800 people across its operations. In 2021 and 2022, Lectra completed strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of a leading CAD‑CAM software developer, to enhance its product offerings in the automotive and furniture markets. Lectra’s revenue, reported for 2022, exceeded €300 million, with a significant portion of sales derived from apparel and automotive services.

The company’s mission emphasizes digital transformation, sustainability, and precision engineering to help its clients reduce material waste, shorten product-to-market cycles, and improve overall production efficiency. Lectra remains an influential player in the design‑engineering market, continuing to innovate in areas such as automated pattern recognition, 3D garment simulation, and collaborative cloud‑based platforms.