Simmons signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with POSCO and KG Steel for joint development and supply of spring materials for mattresses. This marks the first case where a domestic mattress manufacturer has established an exclusive three-party cooperation system with a steelmaker and a wire rod processor. Through this collaboration, Simmons aims to raise the standard for premium bed mattresses by one level and achieve an unmatched gap.
Simmons first revealed these details during a media tour held on the 20th at 'Simmons Factoryum' in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. The cooperation consists of three major stages: POSCO jointly develops vanadium special alloy steel-based spring wire optimized for mattresses with Simmons; KG Steel, Korea's top specialty wire rod processor, precisely manufactures and supplies it to Simmons; and Simmons completes the mattress by adding its own sleep engineering technology.
The vanadium pocket spring is a core component that completes Simmons' premium mattresses. By applying special materials used in aviation and engineering technologies, it maintains excellent strength and elasticity even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and high pressures. Additionally, each spring is individually packaged with high-density non-woven fabric from an Italian luxury textile company to fundamentally block noise and friction damage. Simmons had previously unveiled the vanadium pocket spring in July 2024 after two to three years of research with POSCO.
Lee Jong-seong, Executive Vice President of Production and Logistics Strategy at Simmons, stated, "The cooperation system linking Simmons, POSCO, and KG Steel is a model case of corporate collaboration where the core capabilities and technologies held by each company are organically connected." He added, "Such deep and solid cooperation networks represent an unmatched technology unique to Simmons and a sustainable future competitiveness."
This agreement resulted from aligned interests among the three companies. Simmons sought stability in supply and quality management, while POSCO needed new markets to expand its demand for mattress materials that were previously limited to construction lines into high-grade materials. Furthermore, cooperation with KG Steel, Korea's leading specialty wire rod processor, is said to have created significant synergy effects in the production of pocket springs.
During this meeting, Simmons introduced a new standard for premium bed mattresses called 'Simmons Standard 5.' Considering the current market situation where various mattress companies are promoting premium products, making it difficult for consumers to judge what constitutes premium quality, Simmons, as a leading domestic company, presented a new benchmark. Standard 5 consists of: vanadium pocket springs; conscientious quality management; clean production environment; own direct delivery system; and customer care.
The Executive Vice President added, "True premium that Simmons pursues cannot be explained solely by specific materials or technologies." He continued, "Premium is only realized when all processes—from material selection and development to product R&D, production and quality management, delivery, and subsequent customer care—are connected under one strict and uniform standard."
To implement 'Simmons Standard 5,' Simmons also explained that it has applied various certifications: Radon and Formaldehyde Safety Product Certification; Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment Environmental Labeling Certification; production of fire-resistant mattresses that do not easily burn; UL GreenGuard Gold certification for evaluating indoor air quality safety; and Dermatext Excellent certification for verifying skin safety. The Simmons side stated, "Simmons is the only domestic company to apply all of these."
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