SANFORD, Me.–Natco Home Fashions, parent company of Central Oriental, is installing its seventh loom in its factory here, which will produce 30 to 40 percent more than the previous generation of weaving machines, according to the company.

From Belgium-based manufacturer Van De Wiele, the loom is a high-speed, face-to-face loom, Natco said, and only one of three that was delivered to the U.S. this year. The loom also offers increased flexibility due to its ability for complex weave structures and wide range of yarn qualities.

In addition, the company is adding a fourth finishing line and upgrading the software on all of its existing computer-driven looms.

“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, vice president 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.”