WATKINS, Minn. & VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2006--International Barrier Technology Inc. ("Barrier") (OTCBB:IBTGF) (TSXV:IBH), a manufacturer of proprietary fire resistant building materials, is pleased to report that the initial production run of commercial grade Blazeguard(R) fire-rated sheathing from the new manufacturing line in Watkins, MN took place on March 28, 2006. As the upcoming quarter progresses and final equipment installation is completed, labour will become more fully experienced in the operation of the new line, and efficiencies will improve dramatically. Barrier anticipates the production rate from the new line will easily reach its designed capacity of 40 million sq.ft. (2 @ 8hr. shift basis) in time to meet the growing demand for Blazeguard sales. Coupled with the capacity remaining on the existing production line, the eventual total capacity for the Watkins facility will be in excess of 50 million sq.ft. With this gained volume available, Barrier is well positioned to further expand sales in priority territories (Midwest, California, Texas, etc.), and to continue the focus on new product development. "We are already encouraged by the quality of the boards produced by the new line. The uniform, smooth surface texture from the new production process will give us the ability to tap into new market applications previously difficult for us to penetrate, including: interior wall panels and structural insulative panel systems (SIP's)," states Dr. Michael Huddy, President and CEO. "In addition, once we finish tweaking the system and labour gets used to running the line, improved efficiencies will translate directly into larger bottom line earnings".
