TAMPA, Fla. and WASHINGTON, D.C. , June 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- BlastGard International, Inc. (OTCBB:BLGA), the creator of blast mitigation products and services, today announced receipt of a formal purchase agreement for 190 BlastGard MTR blast mitigated trash receptacles valued at around $735,000 from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). BlastGard's blast mitigating trash receptacles will be installed throughout the Washington, D.C., area in MetroRail stations. Metro plans to take initial delivery and installation of the trash receptacles this summer, and the remaining installations will be completed by the end of the third fiscal quarter.
BlastGard MTR blast mitigated trash receptacles, Models MTR 91 and MTR 101, produced in conjunction with Centerpoint Manufacturing, Inc., have undergone the most stringent testing to date by the company, including extensive testing by the Redstone Technical Test Center at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. and by the Explosive Technology Center at DEMEX International in Picayune, Miss. The test reports established that the BlastGard MTR series of blast mitigated trash receptacles addresses all of the lethal threats of an improvised explosive device (IED) -- fragmentation, shock and blast pressures, the fireball and even after-burn threats and reflected pressures. The BlastGard MTR series even reduces the pressure exerted by a very large charge from 60.47 PSI (100% fatal) to 7.5 PSI (eardrum damage) at ten feet.
Jim Gordon, Chairman of BlastGard commented, "Trash Receptacles, which are a necessity for waste management, pose a serious threat to Public Safety considering how easily they can conceal an explosive device planted by a terrorist. Our BlastGard MTR series of blast mitigated trash receptacles effectively deals with all aspects of the detonation of an IED explosion -- primary and secondary fragments, mechanical (shock/blast pressure), thermal (fireball), afterburn threats and reflected pressure. Heinous acts of terrorism have caused all of us to be more cognizant of our safety and nowhere is that concern greater than in government and public facilities."
"Since we removed trash receptacles from the stations and platforms after September 11, 2001, our patrons have commented that MetroRail stations and rail cars have more trash," said Polly Hanson, Metro's Chief of Police. "To alleviate the problem, we will install BlastGard's special blast mitigating trash receptacles on station platforms."
"The installation of these blast mitigating trash receptacles is another step toward Metro's emphasis on safety, reliability, enhanced cleanliness and improved customer service and outreach. This is another example of how Metro listens to its customers and works to address their needs," said Chief Hanson. "We hope that our customers will continue do their part by keeping the MetroRail system safe and clean by utilizing these new receptacles. Additionally, we continue to ask our customers to be our partners in keeping the system safe by reporting any suspicious package or activity to a Metro employee or police officer."
About BlastGard International, Inc.
BlastGard International, Inc. was created to design, develop, manufacture and market proprietary blast mitigation materials. The Company's patent-pending BlastWrap(tm) technology effectively mitigates blast effects and suppresses post-blast fires. This unique technology can be used to create new, finished products or to retrofit to existing products. While the need for this technology has always been present, the security and safety concerns resulting from the September 11, 2001 acts and the subsequent development of Homeland Security make the timing of the Company's emergence even more important. The Company's core market focus is on blast effects mitigation for the commercial sector, military, law enforcement and government agencies. BlastWrap(tm) is based upon well-defined principles and suppresses blast pressures by 50% or more. BlastWrap(tm) products are made from two flexible films arranged one over the other and joined by a plurality of seams filled with attenuating filler material (volcanic glass bead or other suitable two-phase materials), configurable (designed for each application) with an extinguishing coating that offers a revolutionary blast protection system against blast and fire/burn threats. BlastWrap(tm) is a blast mitigation assembly that can be wrapped around or conform to any shape. BlastWrap(tm) is a concept (not a chemical compound) from which blast protection products are built to save lives and reduce damage to valuable assets from explosions. Additional information on BlastGard can be found at www.blastgardintl.com.
"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. It is possible that the assumptions made by management are not necessarily the most likely and may not materialize. In addition, other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: the Company's ability to market its products; the Company's ability to obtain additional funding; the Company's ability to obtain regulatory approvals on new products, the general economy; competitive factors; ability to attract and retain personnel; the price of the Company's stock; and other risk factors. The Company takes no obligation to update or correct forward-looking statements.