Photo — Devin Steele, eTextileCommunications.com
Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Colzate (Bergamo), Italy-based Itema Group, has acquired Greenville, S.C.-based Palmetto Loom Reed, one of the nation’s last domestic reed manufacturers. The move expands Itema’s technical capabilities and underscores a long-term commitment to localized manufacturing support for North American textile producers.
Founded 113 years ago, Palmetto Loom Reed supplies custom weaving reeds and will continue operations with its 18-person team under President Gladys Richardson. “This is the best outcome I could imagine,” Richardson said. “Itema shares our customer-first values and respect for people.”
Itema America President Scott Malcolm called the acquisition “a strategic move toward becoming a full-service domestic partner for the weaving industry.”
Itema Group’s Matteo Mutti added, “Producing reeds on American soil eliminates tariffs and delays — delivering faster, more responsive service to our customers.”
“At a time when others are retrenching, this investment shows confidence in U.S. manufacturing,” Malcolm said. “Itema America is stronger because we’re doing this.”
2026 Quarterly Issue I
