Barrier obtained the Canadian license rights to the patented Pyrotite technology in 1986 with the goal to develop economically feasible alternatives to fire treated wood building products. Through the license agreement, Barrier had obtained the exclusive right to manufacture, market and sell in Canada, and a "non-exclusive" right to market and sell in the US. After an initial R&D phase where an effective fire barrier laminate was developed for use with wood panel products, Barrier began an association with the Weyerhaeuser Company late in 1989.
Barrier approached Weyerhaeuser, one of the leading producers of wood products in North America, with the Pyrotite Technology and the opportunity of combining it with wood products for sale in North America. Barrier and Weyerhaeuser did not have a "joint venture" relationship; but, Barrier granted Weyerhaeuser an exclusive right to sell/market it's Pyrotite products developed and manufactured by Barrier in Canada. Weyerhaeuser developed the Blazeguard® product and registered trademark in response to this development.
