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Launch for 'prickle factor' meters

International woollen mills and garment makers are expected to be among the first to place orders for new instruments that can measure the prickle factor in wool.

The wool comfort and handle meters have been developed by the Sheep Co-operative Research Centre over several years and were commercially launched on Friday. They will be licensed and sold by the Australian Wool Testing Authority.

David Tester, the wool program leader with the Sheep CRC, says there's strong interest in the instruments in international markets. "We do have companies overseas that are waiting for this day to be able to put an order in to AWTA," Mr Tester said. "I'd be hopeful that within the next week or so we will see orders coming in for machines. "The one that is definitely going to be the first to order ... they do the knitting and the garment making and they also are an online retailer."

David Tester, from the Sheep CRC, and Brenda McGahan, of Australian Country Spinners, inspect the Wool Comfort Meter.

Photo: David Tester, from the Sheep CRC, and Brenda McGahan, of Australian Country Spinners, inspect the Wool Comfort Meter. (Cath McAloon)

Web Link to full article:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-12/nrn-wool-comfort/5447038

Original Article: By Catherine McAloon, ABC Rural, 12/05/2014