A u st ra l ia n Cou n try Sp in n ers

Australian Country Spinners (ACS) produces high quality, pure wool, wool-blend, synthetic
hand-knitting and machine-knitting yarns. It was formed in 1991 through the merger of
Wangaratta Woollen Mills, Cleckheaton and Panda Yarns.

Wangaratta Woollen Mills began production of wool worsted yarn in 1923 and was soon
acknowledged as the most progressive spinner of high quality knitting yarns, growing to
become Australia's largest mainland woolen mill.

Today, Australian Country Spinners is Australias largest producer of wool hand-knitting and
industrial yarns.

The solution

The management and production staff at ACS recognized the need for an integrated textile
information system as a support in the achievement of their goals of productivity, customer
service and profitability.

They had been evaluating systems for approximately five years, visiting trade fairs and
viewing demonstrations. At the end of their long search, staff at ACS found the textile
information system they were looking for - from Datatex.

The ACS Project Manager outlined the main reasons for their choice: TIM has provided a
high level of control and discipline over our textile manufacturing activities. We streamlined
our business processes, replacing fragmented operations with an integrated approach
removing manual costly procedures.

We obtained, soon after the Datatex installation, measurable results on the reduction of
work in progress and inventory. The cost savings were significant. Afterwards we appreciated
a more efficient use of the manufacturing resources: it is difficult to quantify the benefits,
being a plant of fast changing production. However, we are now positive and confident in our
choices, supported with reliable information.

We are now appreciating the planning functions, with improved customer service, and the
calculation of contribution margins to support the best choices for profitability.