PHOENIX, and WESTFIELD, Ind., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Simula, Inc. (NYSE:
SMU) and Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. ("IMMI"), announced today that
the two companies have entered into an agreement to jointly develop and market
applications for Simula's inflatable tubular "IT" technology in the commercial
vehicle and medium- to heavy-truck markets. IMMI is the primary occupant
restraint supplier for several classes of trucks and commercial vehicles in
North America.
Executives of both companies agree that Simula's innovative safety
restraints have significant applications for commercial vehicles and many
classes of trucks. Recent crash safety data indicate the need for additional
safety equipment in those vehicle classes, they noted.
"We're very excited to begin this partnering relationship with Simula,"
stated Harold G. Wallen, IMMI's Chief Executive Officer. "Their technology
and products are highly complementary with ours, and we recognize many joint
business opportunities in the near future."
Simula's Inflatable Tubular Structure ("ITS(TM)") was the first side-
impact, head-protection system to appear in motor vehicles. Since its
introduction in BMW automobiles last year, the system has been credited with
saving numerous lives in documented traffic accidents.
Under terms of the agreement, IMMI and Simula will work on joint programs to
develop, market and sell applications of the Simula ITS and other products to
truck and other commercial vehicle manufacturers. The companies also will
work toward jointly developing technologies based on ITS.
Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, based in Westfield, Indiana USA is the
primary occupant restraint supplier for several classes of trucks and
commercial vehicles in North America. IMMI also maintains facilities in the
United Kingdom and Germany.
Simula, based in Phoenix, Arizona USA is an acknowledged world leader in
transportation safety and energy absorption technology. Its principal product
lines are protective systems including inflatable restraint, airbags, and
ballistic armor, high technology energy absorbing aircraft seating systems,
and rail and mass transit seating systems. All material public information
about the company which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, as well as additional information about the company can be
accessed at the company's web site on the Internet at simula.com.
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