Mouscron, Belgium - In December, 1999, a new company started operating in the skilled and respected community of Belgian carpet and fabric weavers. Le Tissage s.a. headquartered in Mouscron, Belgium began its first production run in early March 2000 with four new jacquard looms.

Initial production will include rugs - Belgium's famous chenille and cotton rugs and related fabrics. At press time, the company said it expected to be fully operational by the end of March 2000.

Based on projected global demand for such high-end products, the company's new general manager, Philip De Waele, predicts that nearly all the company's production will be for foreign consumption. ''More than 90 percent of production will be exported worldwide,'' he said.

De Waele joined the company in December when it was in its most nascent stages of development. He is a veteran global rug marketer, who has had plenty of international experience with the development and sale of Belgian carpets. De Waele was formerly associated with De Poortere Freres of Belgium where he served as the company's U.K. sales representative. Eventually his success resulted in the expansion of his sales territory to include the world.

The company can be reached by phone (32.56.852.793) or fax (32.56.846.723). F&FI