Zoltek Cos. Inc. has restarted two of its five production lines at its facility in Abilene, Texas, and plans to have all five operating at peak capacity in the next two months.

It would be the first time that the company will be using its full capacity, said Zsolt Rumy, chairman and chief executive. Rumy said it needs the capacity to meet a large and increasing backlog of orders from customers.

"Based on existing contracts, letters of intent and other indications, we see clear evidence of long-term change in the marketplace for low-cost, high-performance carbon fibers geared to commercial applications, " he said.

The company plans to add to its capacity in 2005, installing new production lines in Hungary and/or in Abilene, he said.

St. Louis-based Zoltek Cos. Inc. (Nasdaq: ZOLT) manufactures carbon fiber products.