History

Custom Industrial Air and Gas Moving Solutions Supported by a History of Innovation and Progress

For more than 40 years, IB International has been a leader in developing and producing the finest air and gas moving solutions. What started in one man’s garage has blossomed into a manufacturing leader, which many of the world’s largest companies depend upon.

  • 1978

    After being terminated from his position, William Howarth Sr. founded his own company from his home. In its first year of operation, he secured his initial order by reconnecting with a former client in the industrial oven manufacturing sector.

  • 1980s

    Throughout the 1980s, the company experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a premium supplier to the power industry and other markets, with a strong focus on custom-engineered fans and blowers.

  • 1989

    The company relocated from its original North Barrington facility to a larger 90,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Cary, Illinois.

  • 1992

    The company patented the IBI Uniblock® Bearing, engineered to support high-speed operation under relatively light load conditions.

  • 1993

    Tyler Barth, William Howarth’s stepson, joined the company after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy and earning an MBA from Boston College while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

  • 1999

    Tyler Barth purchased the company from his stepfather and, over the next two decades, drove its growth by embracing innovation, expanding the team, making strategic acquisitions, and diversifying the product portfolio.

  • 2008

    IB International acquired a spare parts company to further expand its capabilities and offerings.

  • 2015

    Carolena Vaaten, Tyler Barth’s wife, joined the company as HR Director and became his business partner.

  • 2022

    Illinois Damper, Inc. was established. Following Tyler Barth’s passing, Carolena Barth stepped into the role of CEO.

  • 2024

    IB International consolidated its three subsidiaries and rebranded as IB International, Inc.

  • 2025

    Carolena Vaaten reorganized the leadership team and guided IB International into a new era of sustained growth and expansion.

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750 Industrial Dr., Ste. E
Cary, IL 60013

Ph: 847.639.5500
Toll Free: 1.888.639.FANS

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