diff --git a/openerp/tools/image.py b/openerp/tools/image.py
index f1293b52fff..251569c7247 100644
--- a/openerp/tools/image.py
+++ b/openerp/tools/image.py
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ from PIL import Image
 from PIL import ImageEnhance
 from random import randint
 
+# Preload PIL with the minimal subset of image formats we need
+Image.preinit()
+Image._initialized = 2
+
 # ----------------------------------------
 # Image resizing
 # ----------------------------------------