The people behind IWG and our products' success.

Interactive Wool Group (IWG) Pty Ltd is a privately owned company established in 1999 to exclusively manage the world-wide marketing and distribution of OFDA 2000 (Optical Fibre Diameter Analysis) on-farm wool testing technology.
IWG Managing Directors, Bill Johnston, based in Fremantle WA and Richard Manning, Tamworth, NSW, have enjoyed a long association with the inventor of the OFDA technology, WA-based scientist, Mark Brims.
Brims and his company BSC Electronics Pty Ltd developed the OFDA 100 some 10 years ago. There are now more than 170 of these units in use in 22 countries.
The OFDA 100 is used to measure the wool fibre at all stages of the wool pipeline from greasy fleece to yarn and fabric. It is the only instrument with two IWTO test methods - one for micron and one for medulation. The OFDA 100 is extensively used for the certification of Australian and New Zealand wools.
With lifetime careers in the wool industry, Johnston and Manning had long identified the benefits that on-farm wool testing could bring to wool growers and together they encouraged the extension of the Brims' OFDA 100 technology, to bring about a remarkably accurate, rugged, portable version that could go to work in sheep yards and shearing sheds the world over.
Combining the brilliance of Brims with the strong practical knowledge of the wool testing industry that Johnston and Manning could offer, a brief for the commercialisation of the portable OFDA 2000 was developed. It needed to:

• Achieve a level of testing accuracy that met Australian wool testing standards.

• Be lightweight, portable, extremely durable and quick and easy to operate.

• Utilise the proven OFDA 100 systems.

• Be developed in conjunction with management software application systems.

In October 2000, the commercialisation process was completed and IWG released under license, the first series of OFDA 2000s, reaching across all states of Australia and New Zealand.
IWG is a company committed to the development and provision of innovative wool testing and information services to woolgrowers and woolgrower customers.
The emergence of OFDA 2000 technology has provided an efficient and cost effective way for woolgrowers to more consistently meet consumer demands. Whilst IWG has a strong allegiance with and empathy for wool producers, the OFDA 2000 technology has application to all sectors of the wool supply chain and IWG is committed to servicing each of these sectors in order to bring about new efficiencies and innovation.
IWG is regularly releasing OFDA 2000 instruments and distributes them via license or outright purchase agreements.
Note: IWG is exclusive agent for the OFDA 100 and OFDA 2000 in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Interactive Wool Group Directors, Bill Johnston and Richard Manning have enjoyed long and distinguished careers in the wool industry.

Bill Johnston Was a member of the team that established Australia's first automated wool testing laboratory using OFDA technology. Managing Director of Fibre Management, one of WA's leading sheep classing and genetic advisory services. Extensive practical experience in rural property management throughout Australia. As co-director of IWG, responsibilities include strategic business development, marketing, product development, on-farm application, training and accreditation.

Richard Manning Managing Director of Richard Manning & Associates, a prominent agribusiness management and consulting firm established in 1984. Extensive practical experience in agribusiness investment and property management, enterprise evaluation and business development. As co-director of IWG, responsibilities include strategic business development, international and national sales, business planning and financial management.