Small Scale Woolen Mill Process

The application covers a program of product and process improvements for a small scale woolenmill located in Woodland, CA. These improvements will be supported in their commercialapplication by a concurrent program of West Coast market research.The research team plans to create a standardized set of specification for various blends of exoticfibers, 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-9000documentation process. Based on the philosophy of the late W. Edwards Deming, the mill willembark on a process of continuous quality improvement.This process will enhance the Company's marketing image, assist in the training of newemployees, and improve the range and quality of products produced.