A mill has large financial obligations when they are buying wool, so it is prudent business practice for a mill to have as much control as possible over their greasy wool purchases and knowledge of the machinery performance. Full objective measurement incorporated in greasy wool buying specifications on their Australian Merino combing consignments provides such opportunities.

EXAMPLE ONLY 

ALL COMPONENT LOTS TO BE MEASURED FOR LENGTH AND STRENGTH

Once a mill has processed approximately 20 consignments of fully measured wool, it is in a position to begin to assess its processing performance and also link this to their greasy wool purchases.

This is achieved by calculating the predicted results of each consignment using TEAM and plotting them against the actual results for the same consignment.

This is illustrated for Hauteur in the diagram below.

Greasy wool buying specifications are the interface with suppliers and all parties involved should have a clear and concise understanding and open channels of communication of the ongoing implications before embarking on this method of buying wool from Australia.

In addition it is also the skill of the supplier, the working relationship with the supplier, availability of wool types at auction, price relativities between types, auction price movements and finally the negotiated price that have to be considered to ensure the mill’s requirements are met.  

Australian Wool Innovation Limited, Textile Technology Group based in Geelong, Australia can provide assistance and guidance in facets of buying, processing, monitoring & analysis. (www.awta.com.au )