Charles H. Chewning, Jr. 10th EFS® System Forum November 6-7, 1997

Opening Remarks

Each year Cotton Incorporated sponsors a number of research projects in the fiber to yarn area. The objective of these projects is to improve the competitive position of U. S. Cotton as it moves from field to final product.

The majority of the research we sponsor, about 70%, is designed to better understand fundamental fiber/yarn/fabric relationships. The remaining 30% is of a more applied nature. The Cyros yarn analyzer now sold by CIS Graphics is a good example of applied research. This yarn imaging system was developed as a result of a FPR project with Dr. Moon Suh of NCSU. The work of Dr. El-Mogahzy of Auburn is an example of the support Cotton Incorporated has given to developing better theoretical understanding of the best use of HVI-data within the EFS^® System.

The development of better understanding of the fundamental relationships among fiber and yarn variables is highlighted by the monumental work of Dr. Bill Davis of NCSU. Similarly, Dr. Peter Lord's and Dr. Moon Suh's contributions have been equally significant. The works of Dr. Barbara Gellai and Dr. Steven Christensen have provided mathematical insights and tools designed to improve data analysis. In 1998, Robert Taylor, formerly of the USDA, will join the FPR Research Group.
Certainly, credit goes to Eddie Riddle of Cotton Incorporated for organizing our research group, and setting up this forum each year. It is to Eddie's credit that this forum has become the premier event for the presentation and discussion of cotton related research papers.

One of the major purposes of this forum is to facilitate the exchange of perceived industry needs between mills, cotton producers and textile researchers. This is not so easy, considering the fact that the natural reaction of the industry is to ask for fully developed solutions to very specific problems.

As we all know, when understanding and prerequisite technology exists, solutions to specific problems can be engineered and commercialized in a short time span.

These engineering solutions are usually best left to machinery companies and their suppliers to commercialize. By definition then, the work that we sponsor, for the most part, is to solve problems for which understanding is lacking, and therefore technology has not developed to the point that permits a commercial solution.

With this in mind, I encourage our mill and industry attendees to take the time not only to listen to the papers that will be presented over the next day, but also to meet each of the researchers present here, and exchange needs and ideas with them. By doing this, they and all of us can be more responsive to the industry and its needs.

Speaking for Berrye Worsham and the entire Cotton Incorporated staff, I welcome you to the 10th EFS^® System Forum. You are invited to informally visit our Raleigh facilities Friday afternoon. Just let Susan Vich Simeroth, Eddie Riddle or myself know that you would like a tour.

You will be interested to know that by late 1999, Cotton Incorporated will have relocated its facilities to a Cary location very close to the airport. Again, welcome to the EFS^® Forum.