Mount Vernon Mills and KaKa Cotton Partner to Relocate Historic Draper X3 Shuttle Looms to Trion, GA
Trion, GA — Mount Vernon Mills, a cornerstone of American textile manufacturing, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with KaKa Cotton, LLC to acquire and relocate 45 historic Draper X3 shuttle looms originally operated at the iconic White Oak Plant in Greensboro, North Carolina.
These looms, renowned for producing some of the finest selvedge denim in the world, will find a new home at Mount Vernon Mills’ flagship facility in Trion, Georgia. The move marks a significant step toward reviving traditional American denim craftsmanship and preserving a vital piece of textile history.
In addition to the Draper X3 looms, Mount Vernon Mills is also acquiring 45 Picanol President shuttle looms to further expand its selvedge denim weaving capacity. This combined investment underscores the company’s commitment to meeting growing demand for authentic, U.S.-made selvedge denim.
The announcement comes as Mount Vernon Mills celebrates its 180th anniversary, reinforcing its legacy as one of the longest-standing textile manufacturers in the United States.
“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of American selvedge denim craftsmanship,” said Bill Rogers, President of Mount Vernon Mills. “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 relocation effort follows the recent closure of Vidalia Mills, which had previously operated the Draper X3 looms. With the facility shuttered, Mount Vernon Mills and KaKa Cotton acted swiftly to ensure these iconic machines remain in operation on American soil.
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.