The application covers a program of product and process improvements for a small scale woolen mill located in Woodland, CA. These improvements will be supported in their commercial application by a concurrent program of West Coast market research. The research team plans to create a standardized set of specification for various blends of exotic fibers, notably alpaca, llama, rabbit and mohair with local sheep's wool from local sheep breeds. This work will continue research on wool blends interrupted in 1982 when this mill equipment, formerly at the USDA Wright Institute facility in Albany, CA., was sold for private sector use. To grow effectively to sell the broader range of blends the company will undergo an ISO-9000 documentation process. Based on the philosophy of the late W. Edwards Deming, the mill will embark on a process of continuous quality improvement. This process will enhance the Company's marketing image, assist in the training of new employees, and improve the range and quality of products produced.Applications:The hoped for result is a sign)ficant expansion in the demand for domestic fiber produced to exact specification. Product quality has been a major obstacle to domestic wool sales. The quality control process will feed back to the growers and forward into the yarn marketing channels to enable premium prices to be charged for quality yarns.
