Promatech, an Italian company that includes Somet and Vamatex, introduced its Alpha gripper loom at a press conference in September 2001. The loom has universal applications and weaves a wide variety of fiber types and fabric structures. Weaving widths range from 1,700-4,600 millimeters, and weaving speeds of up to 650 picks per minute are possible at the narrower weaving widths. The loom weaves fabrics in weights of 15-800 grams per square meter and accommodates one or two beaming machines. Auxiliary equipment include dobby and jacquard mechanisms.