WATKINS, Minn. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- International Barrier Technology Inc. ("Barrier") (OTCBB:IBTGF) (TSX Venture Exchange:IBH), a manufacturer of proprietary fire resistant building materials marketed under the Blazeguard(r) brand, has engaged Ms. Janice B. Loebel in the newly created role of General Manager, US Operations. This senior role was created to manage the expansion of Barrier's manufacturing capacity and operations to meet increasing demand for Blazeguard and take advantage of emerging business opportunities. Ms. Loebel has over 25 years of senior executive experience, with increasing management responsibility for engineering, operations, marketing and sales, corporate strategy, and profit and loss performance. Her educational credentials include an MBA, MS Engineering, BS Engineering, and Associate Degree in Chemistry.
"Bringing Jan on staff will help immeasurably in addressing the challenges that exponential growth brings to an emerging organization," said Mike Huddy, Barrier's president. "Her expertise will be vital as we launch our newly funded capital improvement project to create a state of the art production facility in Watkins. And by taking on key operational responsibilities, she will enable me to focus on future growth in the form of global licensing opportunities, strategic business partnerships, and new product and market applications."
"I am excited to join the Barrier team and contribute my skills and experience to the growth of a company with significant market and business opportunities," said Ms. Loebel.
Ms. Loebel comes to Barrier from American Time & Signal (ATS), a manufacturer of system clocks for institutional and industrial markets, where she served as president. At ATS, Ms. Loebel was responsible for improving operational efficiencies, the launch of six major new products, and revenue growth. Previously she was General Manager/Vice President of Park Industries Inc., a manufacturer of machinery for the stone working industry, where she completed and launched a new production facility. At Harnischfeger Corporation, she was placed in various management roles over 10 years, eventually being appointed to General Manager, Electric Products Division, Mining Equipment, a division with $55M in revenue and 140 employees.
About International Barrier Technology Inc.
International Barrier Technology, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary fire resistant building materials. Its patented, non-combustible, non-toxic Pyrotite formulation has an extraordinary capability: it releases water when exposed to the heat of fire. Barrier's award-winning Blazeguard wood panels exceed International Building Code requirements in every targeted fire test and application, and uniquely combine properties that increase panel strength and minimize environmental and human impact. Blazeguard customers include Centex (NYSE:CTX), D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI), KB Home (NYSE:KBH), and Lennar (NYSE:LEN). Lowe's Companies (NYSE:LOW), Stock Building Supply, and Mule-Hide Products Co., Inc. are Blazeguard distributors. Pyrotite has potential applications with engineered wood products, paint, plastics, and expanded polystyrene.
Barrier is part of the DJ Building Materials Index (US).
INTERNATIONAL BARRIER TECHNOLOGY INC.
Per: "MICHAEL HUDDY" ------------------- Michael Huddy President & Director
The TSX Venture Exchange Has Not Reviewed And Does Not Accept Responsibility For The Adequacy Or Accuracy Of The Content Of This Press Release.
Forward-Looking Information: The statements in this news release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including but not limited to the ability to generate and secure product sales. In each case actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results (expressed or modified) will not be realized.