Simpson and DuPont to Develop Safety Parformance Technology
11 February 1999
PRESS RELEASE SIMPSON and DuPont Form Exclusive Agreement To Develop Revolutionary Safety Performance Technology MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- SIMPSON, the leading supplier of motorsports safety products for 41 years, and DuPont, the world's foremost research and technology company, have formed an exclusive long-term agreement to develop and manufacture performance apparel products for motorsports. The new products developed from the relationship will utilize the DuPont material Kapton. SIMPSON and DuPont have created the proprietary technology to use Kapton, along with DuPont Nomex and Kevlar, in a variety of motorsports applications, including protective apparel fabrics. The new technology developed from this initiative will be available exclusively through SIMPSON Performance Products. "SIMPSON and DuPont share the common goal of new, improved apparel for the motorsports industry," said Bill Simpson, founder and CEO of SIMPSON. "We believe combining SIMPSON's longtime expertise in making protective garments and DuPont's technology in advanced fibers and performance materials will result in a new generation of protective apparel whose benefits will be far reaching." Kapton, a polyimide film known for its outstanding thermal properties, has been used for more than 30 years as a superior protectant at high temperatures. Because of its unparalleled resistance to heat and flame, the material can be found in a wide range of high-tech industries, including important components of space shuttle missions. "Until now, we hadn't explored the possibilities of Kapton in a fabric structure," said John C. Hodgson, DuPont vice president. "I think it's significant that Bill Simpson and his company were the first to use DuPont Nomex in racing suits. They have since become the industry standard, and now SIMPSON will be the first to use Kapton in motorsports apparel." Hodgson added, "This could be the platform for providing better performing safety products in other industrial and commercial areas. That's why I'm so excited about this new agreement." "This is a unique relationship for both SIMPSON and DuPont," according to Mark Johnson, president of SIMPSON. "With this synergy, we are creating technology that could revolutionize products for the motorsports industry. Together, SIMPSON and DuPont are redefining safety performance technology." Since 1958, SIMPSON has been the preeminent innovator and supplier of motorsports performance products. The company manufactures the highest quality competition suits, helmets, shoes, gloves, restraints, and accessories for the racing industry. DuPont, founded almost 200 years ago, is a global leader in technology development. In particular, its innovations such as Teflon, Kevlar, and Nomex have enhanced everyday living. ###
