The 45 historic Draper X3 shuttle looms once belonging to the iconic White Oak Plant in Greensboro, North Carolina will stay in the U.S.
U.S. textile manufacturer Mount Vernon Mills announced on Wednesday a strategic partnership with KaKa Cotton, LLC to acquire and relocate the historically significant shuttle looms to its Mount flagship facility in Trion, Ga.
In addition to the Draper X3 looms, Mount Vernon is also acquiring 45 Picanol President shuttle looms to further expand its selvedge denim weaving capacity.
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The move marks a significant step toward reviving traditional American denim. The mill said the looms will be restored and integrated into a dedicated production line focused on premium selvedge denim, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. The initiative is also expected to create new skilled jobs in Trion and attract interest from denim enthusiasts and heritage brands seeking authentic, U.S.-made fabric.
“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of American selvedge denim craftsmanship,” said Bill Rogers, Mount Vernon Mills president. “This partnership with KaKa Cotton allows us to blend heritage with innovation, and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings for our community, our customers, and the broader U.S. textile industry. This is more than a business decision—it’s a commitment to American manufacturing and the enduring spirit of American textile excellence.”
Earlier this year, the selvedge looms became entangled in the sheriff’s sale of Vidalia Mills in Louisiana. Though the looms were in use by the doomed mill for a brief period, Vidalia did not have ownership of the machinery. Mount Vernon emerged as the best domestic destination for the loom, but many in the denim industry feared they would be acquired by a company overseas.
Last month Kaka Cotton, LLC, a New York-based financial firm, came forward as the owner of the looms and subsequently announced it was interested in a creative financial structure in lieu of a straight purchase. Mount Vernon declined’s SJ’s request for information about the financial transaction.
