Zoltek to provide carbon fiber for baby mattresses

Simmons Co., a mattress manufacturer, chose Zoltek Cos.' fire-resistant Pyron fiber for a new line of cribs and mattresses for babies and children.

Zoltek is teaming up with Carthage, Mo.-based Leggett & Platt Inc. (NYSE: LEG) in supplying the bedding material to Atlanta-based Simmons.

Zsolt Rumy, president, chairman and chief executive, said Pyron is the key material for the new line of flame-resistant products that meet flammability standards.

"It represents a real breakthrough in product safety that could save thousands of lives every year," Rumy said. He said the flame resistance does not erode over the lifetime of the product as will other chemically treated bedding materials.

Zoltek makes Pyron for various fire-retardant products, including institutional mattresses and furniture.

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