Mount Vernon Mills in Trion, Georgia, is set to become the new home for 45 historic Draper X3 shuttle looms, once revered workhorses of the iconic White Oak Plant in Greensboro, North Carolina. This strategic acquisition, confirmed this week to Sourcing Journal, marks a significant step towards revitalizing traditional American selvedge denim manufacturing and preserving a vital piece of textile heritage.

The acquisition comes through a strategic partnership between Mount Vernon Mills and KaKa Cotton, LLC, the New York-based financial firm that recently came forward as the owner of the historically significant machinery. The move ensures the 45 Draper X3 looms, alongside an additional 45 Picanol President shuttle looms, will remain in the U.S. and be integrated into Mount Vernon’s flagship facility.

Draper shuttle looms, invented by the Draper company in Massachusetts in the late 19th century, revolutionized textile production. These automatic power looms, particularly the “Northrop loom” from 1895, were capable of weaving fabric with minimal human intervention. Their automation allowed a single weaver to operate many more looms at once, drastically increasing production and playing a pivotal role in the textile industry’s shift to the Southern United States. The looms operate by automatically passing a shuttle containing weft yarn back and forth through the warp yarns, creating a continuous, efficient weaving process.

Mount Vernon Mills plans to restore and integrate these looms into a dedicated production line focused on premium selvedge denim, a highly sought-after fabric known for its clean, self-finished edge and superior durability. Operations with the restored looms are expected to commence in early 2026.

“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.”

The initiative is projected to create new skilled jobs in Trion and is expected to attract considerable interest from denim enthusiasts and heritage brands seeking authentic, U.S.-made fabric.

The fate of these iconic looms had been a subject of widespread concern within the denim industry. Earlier this year, the selvedge looms became entangled in the sheriff’s sale proceedings of Vidalia Mills in Louisiana, where they had been briefly in use. However, Vidalia Mills did not hold ownership of the machinery. Fears grew that the looms, representing a rare piece of American textile history, might be acquired by an overseas entity. Mount Vernon emerged as the preferred domestic destination.

KaKa Cotton, LLC, which confirmed its ownership last month, expressed interest in a creative financial structure rather than a straight purchase for the looms. While Mount Vernon Mills declined Sourcing Journal’s request for specifics regarding the financial transaction, the partnership ensures these vital pieces of American industrial heritage will continue to weave new chapters here in Chattooga County.

This acquisition not only safeguards a crucial part of American manufacturing history but also promises a vibrant future for high-quality, U.S.-made selvedge denim, cementing Mount Vernon Mills’ role as a custodian of textile tradition.