The iconic set of 45 Draper X3 shuttle looms, once housed at the legendary White Oak denim mill, are now officially available for acquisition.
Ownership of the rare and historically significant collection of weaving machinery has been awarded to Kaka Cotton, LLC, a New York-based financial firm.
Exarcha Group, LLC has been selected to receive expression of interest for the acquisition of the assets from denim manufacturers and other related parties.
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The ownership of the looms came into question following the sheriff’s sale of Vidalia Mills in Vidalia, La. earlier this year. Though the looms were in use by the doomed mill for a brief period, RJ Brot, a partner at Exarcha Group, told SJ Denim that Vidalia did not have ownership of the machinery.
Members of the U.S. denim industry have been outspoken about keeping the historic looms in the U.S. to carry on the tradition of U.S. selvedge denim. However, Brot said he suspects that there will be “considerable interest from certain parties overseas.”
In addition to the 45 Draper X3 shuttle looms, Kaka Cotton has ownership of 52 Picanol President looms, rare European shuttle looms from the 1950s that bring additional versatility for narrow-width selvedge denim and specialty fabric production.
Brot told SJ Denim that Kaka Cotton is particularly interested in the concept of creative financial structures in lieu of a straight purchase. However, he could not provide the estimated value of the machinery. Qualified respondents will receive detailed specifications, photos, and logistical information after receipt of their indications of interest.
