Natco Adds New High-speed Loom

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/24/2010 5:13:49 AM

WEST WARWICK, RI - Domestic manufacturer Natco Home Fashions is in the process of installing a seventh loom at its state-of-the-art facility in Sanford, Maine.
     The new loom is a high-speed "Carpet and Rug Pioneer" face-to- face loom, "representing the latest in weaving technology from Belgium-based manufacturer Van De Wiele," the company said.
     Michael Litner, president, said the new loom is 30% to 40% more efficient than previous generation weaving machines and offers increased flexibility through the use of complex weave structures and a wide range of yarn qualities.
     "To put this new capacity in more concrete terms, the new loom can produce an additional 160,000 5'x8' rugs per year," he explained.
     The company also claims the loom is one of only three delivered to the United States this year.
     Natco is also expanding its operations with the recent addition of a fourth finishing line and the upgrade of the software on all existing computer-driven looms. The factory is currently running at maximum capacity, and weaving is running on three shifts, including weekends, according to the company.
     "It is exciting to see a thriving manufacturing facility, despite global competition and a challenging economy, continue to grow and add more U.S.-based, manufacturing jobs," said Jim Thompson, vp of sales and marketing. "Demand for our U.S.- made rugs is at an all-time high, and we will continue to invest in great new colors and designs at incredible values, which will ultimately lead to further expansion of our U.S. factory."
     In other news, Natco continues to grow and develop its newest acquisition, Multy Home, Canadian manufacturer of indoor and outdoor mats, runners and other flooring items. It has expanded its molding operation in Toronto and is expanding output by more than 33%, "allowing Multy Home to service its customers on a timelier basis," the company said.