Founded in May of 1993 by Gary Gall and Steve Simon, ISOBORD Enterprises Inc. began manufacturing premium engineered panels made of straw and isocyanate for general industry use in August of 1998.

www.isobord.com

Contact:
Kathleen Ziprik, Media Information
1300 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 3030
Portland, OR 97201
tel: 770-577-8255
During the interim period the manufacturing process for producing the straw based panels was tested and refined.  
Research and Development
In August of 1993, ISOBORD Enterprises produced its first standard sized 4'x 8' commercial engineered board samples at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota campus at Duluth, using Manitoba straw in baled form. The samples were given to selected furniture and cabinet manufacturers for testing. Initial reaction was positive with ISOBORD™ exceeding existing particleboard standards. Further testing was done at the Alberta Research Council (ARC) in Edmonton. In 1994 as testing continued, a three layer board was produced with a denser, smoother surface and increased core strength. This board met M3 specifications. Additionally, MDI emissions from the board were found to be well within limits suggested by the EPA and the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists.

Plant Site Selection
After extensive deliberations, Elie, Manitoba was selected as the site for the first ISOBORD Enterprises plant due to the abundant residual straw available in the area. Farmers were looking for an alternative to burning off straw or turning it back into their fields. A farmers' cooperative of over 350 members was formed for the specific purpose of organizing and collection Isobord Enterprise's straw requirements.

Environmental Leadership
ISOBORD Enterprises is committed to using annually renewable sources of fiber to produce engineered panels. In recognition of the company's work to embrace the spirit and principles of sustainable development, Isobord Enterprises was awarded the Sustainable Development Award of Excellence presented by The Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development in 1999. The award is presented to corporations, communities and individuals who work together to promote economic development in harmony with the environment. The company was presented with the "Salute to Clean Air Industry" award by the Manitoba Lung Association on September 1, 1999 during the grand opening ceremonies for its Elie manufacturing facility. The award was presented to the company for its straw recycling efforts that help to reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning.