The purpose of this paper is not to inform you of the many specific technical developments of Zellweger Uster's Fiber Testing systems. During this conference you are going to hear many papers that will more than adequately serve that purpose. What is almost as important as any one great technological advancement is a consensus of purpose, of philosophy, if you will, within a company. We, at Zellweger Uster, all share that purpose--a common goal. We first vocalized it at our 1991 Fiber Symposium attended by over 100 of the leading textile executives in the industry. The theme used there was "From Field to Fabric."

Our quality control equipment is utilized within the textile industry from the seed breeder to the weaver or knitter.

It is our belief that we are quickly approaching the possibility of an engineered yarn in our industry. This, however, can not be accomplished without all facets of our textile industry working together to produce the optimum fiber, sliver and yarn. This cooperation must come from the breeder, producer, merchant, gin spinning plants, machinery manufacturers and suppliers.

Yarn engineering is not a new idea. The concept has been with us for many years; however, the testing and sensing technology is only now coming to the point that this can be brought to fruition. Let me take you through the segments vital to the development of a quality engineered yarn.